Jaimie_h - Posted - 02/06/2025:  14:23:16

Hi,
I recently decided to tear my old, cheap Franciscan 220M banjo apart to make it into a clawhammer knock-about. I took off the resonator, replaced all the tuning pegs (the thing wouldn't stay in tune and the 5th string tuner wouldn't even hold tension), and tried to replace the glossy head with something more old-timey. I guess I got the measurement wrong because the fiberskyn 11" low-crown head I ordered from Banjo Ben's didn't fit! Re-measuring, sure enough the old one is actually 11-1/4". I love the look and feel of the fiberskyn head but I can't seem to find one online in the right size. Anybody know how I can get a frosted (or preferably fiberskyn) 11-1/4", low-crown head?

Thanks in advance!
Jaimie

pinenut - Posted - 02/06/2025:  14:30:02

I would ask Bob.

smakulafrettedinstruments.com/...njo-heads

Edited by - pinenut on 02/06/2025 14:31:26

Jaimie_h - Posted - 02/06/2025:  14:40:14

quote:

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Originally posted by pinenut

I would ask Bob.

smakulafrettedinstruments.com/...njo-heads

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Thanks! I left a message on his website, since there don't seem to be any heads with those dimensions listed for sale.

Jaimie

pinenut - Posted - 02/06/2025:  14:48:31

I saw that too, good luck; he is the right person.



note: I had a Japanese banjo with an over-sized rim. I routered a little off the top outside edge (11-1/8" -> 11") and used a standard 11" head and new tension hoop. It was a good practical improvement.

Jaimie_h - Posted - 02/06/2025:  14:54:41

quote:

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Originally posted by pinenut

I saw that too, good luck; he is the right person.



note: I had a Japanese banjo with an over-sized rim. I routered a little off the top outside edge (11-1/8" -> 11") and used a standard 11" head and new tension hoop. It was a good practical improvement.

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You know, I'd probably be willing to do that if I can't find the right sized head. Thanks for the suggestion!

Jaimie

Bill H - Posted - 02/06/2025:  16:18:07

Elderly has a pretty good selection as well.

Emiel - Posted - 02/07/2025:  04:24:12

Where is Bob Smakula?

Bob Smakula - Posted - 02/07/2025:  04:27:38

If the banjo is an asian "bottle cap" banjo, it is likely it needs an 11-1/8" low crown.

Worth double checking..

Bob Smakula
smakulafrettedinstruments.com

Jaimie_h - Posted - 02/07/2025:  05:47:30

quote:

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Originally posted by Bob Smakula

If the banjo is an asian "bottle cap" banjo, it is likely it needs an 11-1/8" low crown.



Worth double checking..



Bob Smakula

smakulafrettedinstruments.com

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Thanks Bob! I went back and checked, and indeed it is 11-1/8". Just out of curiosity, why do they call it a "bottle cap" banjo?

Jaimie