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championofnorthhuron - Posted - 05/08/2017: 11:43:53
Just came in the mail today. From John Balch. Before and after pictures here... Although the original head looks pretty nice, I think the fuzzy head better suits the more 'primitive' look of this banjo!
I made before and after sound files, recorded on my iPhone. But they're MP4. I don't think those will play here, correct? Is there a way I can convert them to MP3 so I can share?
old engraver - Posted - 05/08/2017: 14:17:45
I like it, but the hair swirl should be on top not under the tail piece, that is supposed to be good luck. The more swirls the better the animal is, too.
Charlie
Brooklynbanjoboy - Posted - 05/08/2017: 15:30:14
They both look good, so I'm surprised that your solution is not to simply acquire a second banjo so you could have both heads in active use on your arsenal of banjos.
mdthib - Posted - 05/08/2017: 22:07:30
I'm interested to hear a fuzzy head!
There must be a million ways to convert to MP3 depending on what your tech is (phone vs. PC; Mac, etc.). Audacity is a great program that can make an MP3 and is free (although I believe you must install a second free LAME library in order to get the MP3 conversion). iTunes can also make an MP3 version (Google how). You could also take your photos and make a movie and upload to YouTube then link here...
J.Albert - Posted - 05/09/2017: 14:29:40
On the Mac, the easiest tool to convert almost any file to an mp3 is "All2MP3":
tresrrr.com
It's free, too.
championofnorthhuron - Posted - 05/10/2017: 06:42:09
Finally... here are the before and after recordings. The first is with the original goat hide. The second with the new fuzzy head.
Tobus - Posted - 05/11/2017: 05:37:14
This is one of the coolest things I've seen lately! I love the look, and the sound surprised me. A fretless banjo has been on my wish list for some time now, and I think a "fuzzy head" (wouldn't it be a "mohairy head"?) may be what it needs.
bd - Posted - 05/13/2017: 11:35:14
Based on the the 2 I prefer the original--has a bit more of that tone I like from real hide.
championofnorthhuron - Posted - 05/15/2017: 06:07:39
I know it's not for everyone, but I think the look... at least for me on this particular banjo, is pretty awesome. I will be curious though to see though how the hair itself wears where my thumb, fingers, and wrist/forearm hit or rest and how that affects the appearance over time. Not sure if that will better, or not. With more conventional non-hairy hide heads, I've come to think that character improves the look.
But I also have to admit that I'm not yet sure what I think about the tone and volume over the original head. I think the change is somewhat subtle, but just haven't made my mind up yet. One thing for sure though... I tend to make changes like bridges, strings, tailpieces, and heads; and then if I have any uncertainty I too often change back without giving the changes enough time for a more critical evaluation.
Edited by - championofnorthhuron on 05/15/2017 06:14:21
