Sounds like the same head I use. They last virtually forever, unless damaged. The Reverend is likely right - a tension adjustment may be called for, assuming (you didn't say) that the tone was not to your liking.
Quick tip - before tensioning up an old head, make sure that you have a spare head to hand, or that you can easily obtain one. Those heads are strong, but not indestructable. It's just possible that you might split it when taking up the tension.
Hey Cam
I'm heading over to Hornsby to visit Gary McFeteridge next month.
Let me know if you want to accompany me. He could probably fix it in 5 minutes if it needs adjusting..Agree with Mix O'Lydian...better to get it right first time
If you're talking tenor, then my usual thought would be "How nice, a quiet tenor banjo". But I would agree that it's probably a tension problem. Has the instrument suffered a change of environment that might have caused this ? Re-stringing can also often pep-up a jaded-sounding instrument.
Garcia was a crack banjo player. It totally shocked Vassar Clements who thought he was a hippie layabout! Missing his middle finger, too.
You might do well to Take the head to a shop, and ask if someone there can show in person you how to tighten it. If it costs you anything at all, it'd be a much cheaper investment than a new head. Just my two cents..
Dead banjo head
Dead banjo head
Hey all - does anyone know how to tell when it's time to change a banjo head, for example, how do you tell if a head is 'dead'? Thanks
# Posted on January 6th 2009 by camwebby
Re: Dead banjo head
I've never had one go "dead" (without ripping, at least). And I've had a couple of vellum heads that were at least 50 years old.
You might be in need of some tension adjustment, though.
What kind of head is it?
# Posted on January 6th 2009 by Reverend
Re: Dead banjo head
its a synthetic top frosted white one - its about 26 years old, made by Remo
# Posted on January 7th 2009 by camwebby
Re: Dead banjo head
Sounds like the same head I use. They last virtually forever, unless damaged. The Reverend is likely right - a tension adjustment may be called for, assuming (you didn't say) that the tone was not to your liking.
# Posted on January 7th 2009 by will morgan
Re: Dead banjo head
Quick tip - before tensioning up an old head, make sure that you have a spare head to hand, or that you can easily obtain one. Those heads are strong, but not indestructable. It's just possible that you might split it when taking up the tension.
It happened to me once!
# Posted on January 7th 2009 by Mix O'Lydian
Re: Dead banjo head
Wise words for a hangover too.
# Posted on January 7th 2009 by Skull Duggeraigh Dubh
Re: Dead banjo head
Yes a spare head is essential.
# Posted on January 7th 2009 by Mike Floorstand
Re: Dead banjo head
If your banjo is a bit of a dog, and you have two spare heads for it, you could call it Cerberus
# Posted on January 7th 2009 by Mix O'Lydian
Re: Dead banjo head
Hey Cam
I'm heading over to Hornsby to visit Gary McFeteridge next month.
Let me know if you want to accompany me. He could probably fix it in 5 minutes if it needs adjusting..Agree with Mix O'Lydian...better to get it right first time
# Posted on January 7th 2009 by Greenwiggle
Re: Dead banjo head
If you're talking tenor, then my usual thought would be "How nice, a quiet tenor banjo". But I would agree that it's probably a tension problem. Has the instrument suffered a change of environment that might have caused this ? Re-stringing can also often pep-up a jaded-sounding instrument.
# Posted on January 7th 2009 by Guernsey Pete
Re: Dead banjo head
Dead banjo head? Would that be someone who liked Jerry Garcia’s banjo playing?
# Posted on January 7th 2009 by Bob himself
Re: Dead banjo head
I've met a couple of banjo players who are deadheads
# Posted on January 8th 2009 by mcknowall
Re: Dead banjo head
Garcia was a crack banjo player. It totally shocked Vassar Clements who thought he was a hippie layabout! Missing his middle finger, too.
You might do well to Take the head to a shop, and ask if someone there can show in person you how to tighten it. If it costs you anything at all, it'd be a much cheaper investment than a new head. Just my two cents..
# Posted on January 8th 2009 by gravelwalks