Jezzro2004 - Posted - 12/01/2011:  03:17:34

I hear lots of talk on here about calfskin heads, I'm curious, how do some of you 3 finger style bluegrass guys feel about using these heads over say a remo, 5 star, and how much drop/ raise in humidity affects the head to a point of having to be adjusted?

jbalch - Posted - 12/01/2011:  04:47:38

I installed a very nice Stern tanning calfskin on my 1929 Gibson TB-1 (tone hoop) banjo.  Loved the sound.  The humidity issue is very manageable once you get the head fully stretched and properly tensioned.

The only negative on that banjo without a tone ring was that I found myself picking "harder" trying  to pull more volume. I don't play as much three-finger style (as clawhammer).  So my right hand became tired too quickly due the the extra effort. So, I went back to mylar on that banjo (AMBco REMO).

You might not have the same issue with a tone ring banjo (not sure).  In fact, I like playing three finger style on my open-back banjos that do have tone rings.  I have calfskin on all of my open back banjos that i use primarily for clawhammer.

it will be interesting to hear other responses.

I'm linking this to the Hide Heads group...banjohangout.org/group/hideheads

country frank - Posted - 12/01/2011:  04:56:16

I use one of Bills pre-mount hide heads on my maple blossom [strightly scruggs style], i found it ironed out all of the nigling overtones that were giving me troble and i found no loss of volume compared to the usual remo/5 star fair.

I think the banjo looks and sounds better and the tone is definatly more complex. Thats the good bits, the only draw back is as yet i still dont leave the bridge 'in place' [rather i fold it flat and de-tune the strings] after playing, this can be a pain in the *** sometimes when you just want to pick it up and play so thats the only draw back.

FWIW i would not consider putting a frosted top back on that banjo, the hide head is considerably nicer to spend time with.

Jason Wilkerson - Posted - 12/01/2011:  11:34:29

quote:

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Originally posted by country frank

I use one of Bills pre-mount hide heads on my maple blossom [strightly scruggs style], i found it ironed out all of the nigling overtones that were giving me troble and i found no loss of volume compared to the usual remo/5 star fair.



I think the banjo looks and sounds better and the tone is definatly more complex. Thats the good bits, the only draw back is as yet i still dont leave the bridge 'in place' [rather i fold it flat and de-tune the strings] after playing, this can be a pain in the *** sometimes when you just want to pick it up and play so thats the only draw back.



FWIW i would not consider putting a frosted top back on that banjo, the hide head is considerably nicer to spend time with.

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If I may ask...why do you not leave the bridge in place and strings tuned?

Jezzro2004 - Posted - 12/02/2011:  06:23:42

I'm curious how one would sound on my 26 TB3 conversion it has the sullivan conversion ring in it. It has good tone, but I would like to have a little bit warmer tone on the 5,2,1, strings, just curious if anyone might have some sound clips.