Ike57 - Posted - 05/04/2011:  05:05:58

I'm working on the restoration of an old Banjo (John Grey & Sons) that needs a new head. Now I'm not that familiar with banjos (nor with measuring anything in inches :-) and I'm not quite sure how to measure the head so I can order a new one.

The rim of the banjo has an outside diameter of 28 centimeters which is, according to Google, 11.023 inch. So I guess I need an 11 inch head instead of an 11 1/8 inch? Would this be correct?

Other problem is the height of the new head. On all sites if found this in "high crown", "medium crown" en "low crown" (or collar). I measured the old head and its height is 1.7 centimeters (0.67 inch). Don't know if that's high, medium or low.

Could somebody please help me out here? Thanks!

rudy - Posted - 05/04/2011:  05:35:44

Banjo rims are often times not perfectly circular, so it's necessary to measure the diameter in at least three evenly spaced places and average the measurements.

You could try an 11" head, but you may find it just won't go over the tone ring if it's .020" oversize.  Heads can be ordered in 1/16" increments, so I'd personally opt to try a 11-1/16" head.  You can check sizing and availability at Elderly's site, although you most likely want to obtain a head on your side of the pond.

Crown height does not include the height of the band that retains the head so you'll need to subtract that portion of your total measurement and figure crown height based on the result.  Stewart-McDonald lists 3/8" - 7/16" - 1/2" as low, medium, and high respectively.

Ike57 - Posted - 05/04/2011:  06:38:38

Thank you Rudy!

So I'll try an 11-1/16" . Found a shop here in the Netherlands (yes, on my side of the pond :-) where I can order one.

I took a new look at the height and it's (on average) 11 millimeters, so that's 7/16" I guess. The hoop also is 11 millimeters high. So, I guess a medium should be OK?

Edited by - Ike57 on 05/04/2011 06:39:15

xnavyguy - Posted - 05/04/2011:  10:09:49

I'm glad Rudy chimed in because, when I first saw your post, my gut said medium crown 11 1/16".  Although they might not fit perfectly, nearly every banjo that I've encountered will work with a medium crown head.