Head Tuning

[Etan]

I've been thinking of re-tightening my banjo head, which hasn't been done since I bought it. The bridge legs are currently bending in the head, a Remo, by about 1-2 mm.

I've read somewhere that to find the right tension, you tighten up your brackets till you break the head, then buy a new head and tighten it just a bit less.

Is there a less costly method? I'm thinking the head ought to ring / resonate to a G or D if I mostly play in G tuning. Any opinions?

-- Etan

[Fingers n thumbs]

Hi Etan

My banjo has a real calfskin head that i tighten probably about 2 or 3 times a month - different heads react differently to moisture etc. Essentially i seem to notice the sound is a bit off and then tighten it up again.

Way i do this is by tightening up each hook by a quarter turn around the rim - i go from neck round to neck - you can 'feel' the bolts/hooks that are a little loose.

Then i play it - if it's sounds good then rock n roll

If not i go round again - using the force needed to tighten up the hook as a guide. I can still feel the bridge 'dent' through the head but not by much.

Hope that is of some use - go careful

Roj

[dick]

Have a look at this. It may help.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nR5Ywvqp3g