Banjo Head
A Banjo head is indeed one of the most important parts of a Banjo and so they are customized to make a fit on the drum of the Banjo. The head of the Banjo must be tightened appropriately because it leaves a great impact on the sound the Banjo creates. But there lies a few challenges if one does not know how to tighten the head properly.
So, this article is about how you tighten a Banjo head. shall guide you through it very easily. It will also share with you a few aspects of the Banjo’s head so that you can know your beloved instrument much better.
Factors About The Tension On The Banjo’s Head
- The head of the Banjo carries a firm tension
- Generally, it comes tightened from the factory because there is an emphasis that needs to be given to G# and G
- The bridge on Banjo’s head is important too and visually it must give an appearance that it is placed over a flat surface. It adds to the Banjo a sparkling and bright ringing tone when it is played.
- If Banjo’s bridge is placed on the valley, then there is a need to tighten the tension of the head.
- The head of the Banjo is held in its place by a tension hoop. The hoop is placed over the perimeter and between sixteen to twenty-four brackets. Around the edge, you will find the j-hooks held at the base by hex nuts. The nuts and the hooks together create tension. The hook not only holds the tension hoop but also pulls it down. This keeps the head tightened.
The Process Of Tightening A Banjo’s Head
- If you wish to achieve the opposite tone to the current sound then, tighten it above the head on G# at A. To identify the surface you check the place above the head which is rock hard.
- Tightening the head shall make the sound bright having a distinct note but with a lack of bass.
- If you do not wish to go above A, the head being stiff shall not easily vibrate. In such a condition a less sharp and less full sound is resonated.
- Put a nut in the wrench socket. Tighten the tension for 1/8 th turns each time on each of the hooks.
- Just like the 12 O’clock position of the clock’s hands, place the logo. Begin at 12 and go towards 6 in a clockwise direction first and then in a counter-clockwise direction.
- Move 1/8 th turn only over the hex nuts one at a time. Make sure about doing it gently so that there is no breaking or popping to the head in the Banjo. If you follow these steps carefully while doing this, it will get easier for you for tightening the head of the Banjo.
I own a music instruments shop. My go to instrument is a banjo. My business makes it easier for me to access the instruments from various brands and of various types. I will give my honest opinion here to help out others in choosing the right instrument for them.
