I'm looking at changing my banjo head to either a clear head, to try and increase the volume a bit, or a black one - I think the black ones are made by Deering. I don't know what they're like as I've never tried tenor with either of these heads. I'm wondering if it's ok, should I go through with this and be disappointed, I can change back to the old white head even though it has been used before.
No problem, just remember to line it up the same way otherwise it looks odd. In fact, buying old heads often is a good way to save a little money and get a superior head if it is a Remo.
When you take your old head off, look at the point where the mylar meets the aluminum. If there are tears there, the head will not sound good no matter what you do. In that case a new head is needed. If the junction is OK, you can put the head back on.
Banjo heads are fairly bullet-proof, but there was an extended run of Remo heads that were faulty several years ago. Once one is torn, there is nothing that can be done about it.
black heads look great on shiny banjos and are fairly bright, clear heads are possibly the brightest sounding but you need a nice looking resonator/pot interior. Shiny top bottom frosted heads are fine on most tenors.
Things like fyberskin and rainbow effect are acoustically dull but visually interesting. I would personally avoid them.
Fiberskyn heads are most certainly not acoustically dull. They merely require a higher tension than standard top-frosted heads require to achieve brightness.
Used banjo heads
Used banjo heads
I'm looking at changing my banjo head to either a clear head, to try and increase the volume a bit, or a black one - I think the black ones are made by Deering. I don't know what they're like as I've never tried tenor with either of these heads. I'm wondering if it's ok, should I go through with this and be disappointed, I can change back to the old white head even though it has been used before.
# Posted on January 6th 2008 by camwebby
Re: Used banjo heads
No problem, just remember to line it up the same way otherwise it looks odd. In fact, buying old heads often is a good way to save a little money and get a superior head if it is a Remo.
Mike Keyes
http://www.banjosessions.com
# Posted on January 6th 2008 by mikeyes
Re: Used banjo heads
Thanks Mike! I'll put away the white head just in case.
# Posted on January 6th 2008 by camwebby
Re: Used banjo heads
When you take your old head off, look at the point where the mylar meets the aluminum. If there are tears there, the head will not sound good no matter what you do. In that case a new head is needed. If the junction is OK, you can put the head back on.
Banjo heads are fairly bullet-proof, but there was an extended run of Remo heads that were faulty several years ago. Once one is torn, there is nothing that can be done about it.
Mike Keyes
http:www.mikekeyes.com
# Posted on January 6th 2008 by mikeyes
Re: Used banjo heads
black heads look great on shiny banjos and are fairly bright, clear heads are possibly the brightest sounding but you need a nice looking resonator/pot interior. Shiny top bottom frosted heads are fine on most tenors.
Things like fyberskin and rainbow effect are acoustically dull but visually interesting. I would personally avoid them.
# Posted on January 6th 2008 by millionyears_bc
Re: Used banjo heads
Thanks - is it possible to shine up the banjo pot at all? It's a little dull - anything that can bring it up?
# Posted on January 7th 2008 by camwebby
Fiberskyn
Fiberskyn heads are most certainly not acoustically dull. They merely require a higher tension than standard top-frosted heads require to achieve brightness.
# Posted on January 9th 2008 by uncledelphi