Ray_D - Posted - 05/06/2009:  07:12:46

So yeah... total noob question. I have an open back harmony resotone (yes, its plastic, I know). The question for today is: When I rap the head the strings sound, all of them, is this proper? or have I got this thing wound up too tight?

Regards,

Ray

Yes... Thats the back of my head...

Tank772 - Posted - 05/06/2009:  08:01:16

Normal, the strings have direct head contact through the bridge. Just like when you pick the strings the head vibrates only in the opposite direction. When you hit the head it'll make the strings vibrate. The head may be a bit loose. If it's "too" loose it'll allow more movement that then transfers to the strings. Tough to know if they're "wound too tight" that's kind of a feel thing. But, I'd say if they're tuned to a note, say G it's probably not too tight, maybe too loose. If you were to try to tighten them up to too tight a G I think the string would break before you got there. Actually I know it would, I've done it. Needless Disclosure: Pretty new myself, certainly no expert. Others will chime in too and probably know more than I, or at least be able to explain it better.

Parker

Edited by - Tank772 on 05/06/2009 08:01:56

beegee - Posted - 05/06/2009:  08:32:45

You know you're not supposed to rap on the banjo:


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minstrelmike - Posted - 05/06/2009:  09:15:26

Yes, the strings should vibrate. If you can knock them easily out of tune, the head may be too loose, but you can usually press hard and knock them out of tune so don't get carried away tightening stuff.

Another thing you can do is hold the banjo up and talk across the head. It will amplify your voice. Way kewl. I use that sometimes when playing Winchester Cathedral.