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Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/338309
cmic - Posted - 01/01/2018: 06:43:14
Hi
Happy new year to all banjer's !!
I've changed my banjo head for a J. Balch goat 11" head. I've looked to old topics about head tension, particularly the one about adjusting the head tension with a straight line and a nickel coin.
But can I apply this technique on a JB 4 star goat head? Currently, with a 10 inches straight line, the underline gap is about 3 mm high. I think it is too much.
Thanks for a tip..
Cheers
jack_beuthin - Posted - 01/01/2018: 07:03:39
Michel,
This is just my personal experience, but I have found that the Davis method (straight edge and coin) is a good first approximation for head tension on my 11" John Balch goatskin head. I use a U.S. quarter which is just over 1 mm thick and then after getting to the Davis method tension, I tighten the head in small increments (1/8 turns on the nuts) until I get the tension and sound I like. So for me, the Davis method gives a minimum tension on my skin head. It is also possible to overtighten any head (it will "choke" the sound), which is why I incrementally increase the tension above that determined by the Davis method. I also have banjos with 11" renaissance heads, and I keep the tension on those right about where the Davis method gives. I like my skin head just a bit tighter than the ren heads.
3 mm seems much too loose.
Happy New Year!
Jack
jbalch - Posted - 01/01/2018: 07:17:07
Thanks for using one of my heads! I hope it serves you well.
Take a look at the things I posted here: Head tension
The photos & narrative in that folder describes my personal methods for tensioning hide heads. I hope those things are useful.
In general. I set the tension - evenly around the rim - to achieve my preferred tone. I set it for sound - not to any specific measurement. However after I find the level of tension that pleases me, I sometimes measure the amount of "deflection" (aka Steve Davis method) as a guide for future set-up.
Happy New Year!
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