hayesdt - Posted - 05/03/2011:  12:35:06

I've always wanted to try a Calfskin head on one of my banjos and have a pre-mounted one that will fit a Deering Goodtime on order from Bill Miller.  Both of my Goodtimes, a basic Goodtime 2 and  a Goodtime Special Classic model (both currently with the resonators off to make them open backs), currently have frosted heads.  My hope is that a calfskin head on one of them, and set up properly, will provide me with a "plunkier" old time banjo sound.

The standard Goodtime 2 has no tone ring of course -- just a wood rim.  The Special Classic model has the new tone ring.

Just wondering if I'm correct that putting the calfskin head on the basic Goodtime without the tone ring would yield a "plunkier" sound than putting the calfskin head on the Special model?  By the way, I'm not currently planning on going to nylon or nyglut strings.

Also, what experiences have any of you had with a calfskin head on your Goodtime banjos?

Edited by - hayesdt on 05/03/2011 12:56:07

TheBanjoDoctor - Posted - 05/03/2011:  13:14:02

ive never done this.  but i would put it on the basic model and i would imagine it would sound purty darn good.  also if you dont like the way it sounds i would try the rennisance head.  they are good for this type of thing.  

banjo-boy - Posted - 05/03/2011:  14:12:46

I've got a Ren. head, med. strings and a moon bridge on mine; much better sound (plunkier and brighter at the same time).

pluckyfingers - Posted - 05/03/2011:  14:56:38

Banjo-boy, what gauge Moon bridge, medium or light, did you use with the medium strings?

oldtimefolkie - Posted - 05/03/2011:  18:06:34

I have a regular model Goodtime openback.  I've had it about 5-6 year now and love it!  I recently put a Fiberskin elite head on it from Stew Mac and it really sounds old timey.  It is much more plunky.  I bet the real skin head will be awesome.  I'd put it on the one with no tone ring, for less brightness with that old-time plunk.  Just my opinion.  Let us know how it sounds!

Warren 

Weird Snake Joe - Posted - 05/04/2011:  10:49:40

quote:

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Originally posted by oldtimefolkie

I have a regular model Goodtime openback. I've had it about 5-6 year now and love it! I recently put a Fiberskin elite head on it from Stew Mac and it really sounds old timey. It is much more plunky. I bet the real skin head will be awesome. I'd put it on the one with no tone ring, for less brightness with that old-time plunk. Just my opinion. Let us know how it sounds!

Warren

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I've got a Fiberskyn head from Stew Mac on my Goodtime, too.  With the head on good and tight, it's not as dark as I thought it would be.  In fact, putting a light bridge, like a Rivet Buster or cherry Power Bridge made it quite bright (so much so that I had to stick a thick pair of socks under the head).  The 5/8 heavy moon works just fine.

I've tried the V-style bridge with the fiberskyn head.  Either my bridge isn't all that great, or the head and bridge combination isn't.  On a true calf skin, and not some simulated piece of plastic, maybe you could get that desired thick plunk.  I can't imagine such a heavy bridge lasting very long on that head, though.

oldtimefolkie - Posted - 05/04/2011:  19:37:39

I've got the original stock bridge still on it, stuffed with a red bandana, sounds great to me.  I play over the pot/neck joint, or over the 19th fret on the neck.  Just got back from playing up the street with it!