By far the most comprehensive video on the proper way to get the best sound out of my banjo. I like to know why as well as how. Coming from a retired electronics technician, thanks so much for doing this right!! :-)
Just finished replacing the head on my tenor banjo as per your instructions and it is a completely different sounding instrument. I think the head was way too tight and gave my newly aquired 1980 vintage Gibson TB-250 a tinny, shrill sound with no bass at all. Thanks!!
Thanks for this highly technical explanation of head tuning. The final demonstration with the spectrum analyzer did it for me. I've used them in Satellite communications work. Proof positive the head is in tune with itself. I'm ordering a Drumdial TODAY!
I tune my Banjo head down a Half Step to G flat because I use Open G flat Tuning which is a Half step below Open G. The reason for that is to make the high notes less of a strain on my voice.
DRUM DIAL BANJO SETTINGS: My recommendations are for plectrum banjos only using Remo cloudy heads. For a flattop and archtop banjos with 11 inch head the drum dial setting is 87 (flatop) and 89(archtop). Note archtop banjos generally need a tighter tension than flat top . Tuning: Tighten, or loosen each hook working on opposing hooks all the way around the banjo. Do not work around the head in order, you will never get the numbers to be the same. Tighten hook 1, then 13, then 2, then 14, then 3, then 15, etc. until you have the same number all the way around.
I play about 5 different banjo from an inexpensive Recording King RB to an 1894 Fairbanks electric. The settings and methods you illustrate seem to those favored by bluegrass banjoist at least since the 1950s. Are there variation of other types of banjoist, I
Thank you Tony, the drum head settings would be looser or tighter depending on your desired sound for your particular banjo. Matching your tension at each tuning point would still be the same.
A Kora is a harp. It is not a banjo. No banjos are indigenous to Africa. Banjo originated in the Caribbean. Repeat, the Kora is a harp. A banjo is a banjo. Banjos have flat fingerboards and tuning pegs
Is the 89 reading good for all types and diameter Banjos? Mine is open-back type Banjo with 11” diameter drum and extra long neck (Gold Tone OT-800 LN model)
It is easier to tune without the strings and bridge in place. Also, you can tune from the underside of the head as shown in the video also for more precise tuning if the bridge and strings are in place.
Yes, DrumDial works very well for tuning congas, djembes and bongos etc.. The setting for Congas is 96 for both (or all) of the drums. The depth and diameter of the drum will determine the pitch. We tune to C G E for congas. 96 is a high setting and the readings will be less sensitive much higher than 95 and it will take more turns of the tension bolt than it would at much lower settings.
Drum dial on a non-resonator banjo 12" 'Renaissance' head - 92 works. Don't know if the extra tension is due to larger head - compared to standard 11" banjo heads.
I will experiment at lower tensions now, as well, and I suspect a softer sound at lower Drum Dial numbers like 89 ... there is a limit how low I can go before the bracket nuts are too loose.
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By far the most comprehensive video on the proper way to get the best sound out of my banjo. I like to know why as well as how. Coming from a retired electronics technician, thanks so much for doing this right!! :-)
Just finished replacing the head on my tenor banjo as per your instructions and it is a completely different sounding instrument. I think the head was way too tight and gave my newly aquired 1980 vintage Gibson TB-250 a tinny, shrill sound with no bass at all. Thanks!!
I have 10 banjos. DrumDial ordered! Great video I found by chance.
Thanks for this highly technical explanation of head tuning. The final demonstration with the spectrum analyzer did it for me. I've used them in Satellite communications work. Proof positive the head is in tune with itself. I'm ordering a Drumdial TODAY!
I tune my Banjo head down a Half Step to G flat because I use Open G flat Tuning which is a Half step below Open G. The reason for that is to make the high notes less of a strain on my voice.
FANTASTIC VIDEO!!! i will do this to my Banjo!!
DRUM DIAL BANJO SETTINGS:
My recommendations are for plectrum banjos only using Remo cloudy heads. For a flattop and archtop banjos with 11 inch head the drum dial setting is 87 (flatop) and 89(archtop). Note archtop banjos generally need a tighter tension than flat top .
Tuning:
Tighten, or loosen each hook working on opposing hooks all the way around the banjo. Do not work around the head in order, you will never get the numbers to be the same. Tighten hook 1, then 13, then 2, then 14, then 3, then 15, etc. until you have the same number all the way around.
Like this a lot
The Banjo head is meant to be tuned to a G3 which is a G below Middle C.
I play about 5 different banjo from an inexpensive Recording King RB to an 1894 Fairbanks electric. The settings and methods you illustrate seem to those favored by bluegrass banjoist at least since the 1950s. Are there variation of other types of banjoist, I
Thank you Tony, the drum head settings would be looser or tighter depending on your desired sound for your particular banjo. Matching your tension at each tuning point would still be the same.
DrumDial This will apply to a Banjitar. I have a Kora which is an African Harp Banjo.
Yes, thank you!
@@DrumDial The Banjo Head is 12 Inches.
A Kora is a harp. It is not a banjo. No banjos are indigenous to Africa. Banjo originated in the Caribbean. Repeat, the Kora is a harp. A banjo is a banjo. Banjos have flat fingerboards and tuning pegs
@@writerrad Actually the Kora is kinda a Harp Banjo. The Banjo actually originated in Africa cause it has a Great Granddaddy the akonting
Is the 89 reading good for all types and diameter Banjos? Mine is open-back type Banjo with 11” diameter drum and extra long neck (Gold Tone OT-800 LN model)
Yes, 89 is a very good reading. 90-91 for an even brighter sound and 87-88 for a more tubby sound.
What are your thoughts on using the drum dial to tune the head BEFORE the strings & bridge are in place ?
It is easier to tune without the strings and bridge in place. Also, you can tune from the underside of the head as shown in the video also for more precise tuning if the bridge and strings are in place.
What is normal for a Banjo head Tuning with a Drum Dial
1petroman 87-89 on the DrumDial.
@@DrumDial 89 to 91 is right on the money.
Hello, is it possible to adjust the conga with this method?
Yes, DrumDial works very well for tuning congas, djembes and bongos etc.. The setting for Congas is 96 for both (or all) of the drums. The depth and diameter of the drum will determine the pitch. We tune to C G E for congas.
96 is a high setting and the readings will be less sensitive much higher than 95 and it will take more turns of the tension bolt than it would at much lower settings.
Drum dial on a non-resonator banjo 12" 'Renaissance' head - 92 works. Don't know if the extra tension is due to larger head - compared to standard 11" banjo heads.
Thank you Howard!
I will experiment at lower tensions now, as well, and I suspect a softer sound at lower Drum Dial numbers like 89 ... there is a limit how low I can go before the bracket nuts are too loose.
What was the name of the song played at the end?
That was Evan Dain playing "Gold Rush" .
@@DrumDial sounds really good. His style sounds pretty unique to me. Unlike most Scruggs style picking