frits51 - Posted - 08/09/2025:  13:43:44

I have a Gold Tone BG-150F, high crown. From what I've read about the Huber head, I would really like to try it, but it only comes in Medium crown. I have the skills and tools to modify the neck heel a bit if necessary. If the woodwork is minor, is there any other reason that a Medium crown head can't be used on a High crown banjo? Thanks for your comments!

Banner Blue - Posted - 08/09/2025:  14:20:22

A medium crown head would result in the tension ring sitting slightly higher. I see no need for woodworking. Wood working MIGHT be necessary if one was trying to put a high crown head on a banjo that required a medium or low crown head as the tension hoop/head would sit lower than expected hitting the ridge on the end of the neck heel. The only (?) issue that might arise with a medium instead of a high crown is that the tension hoop sitting higher at the fretboard such that the strings hit the top of the metal hoop.

martyjoe - Posted - 08/09/2025:  14:48:57

Rob is correct and right. The tension hoop will sit a little higher, so have a close look at where the tension hoop is now compared to the level of the frets using a straight edge and then decide if you want to proceed. Once the new head has settled in the head tension can be reset a little tighter.

The Old Timer - Posted - 08/09/2025:  17:28:17

Always remember, prior to the 1980s (or thereabouts) there was just one crown height in plastic heads -- Medium. It fit everything.

Have no fear.

Old Hickory - Posted - 08/09/2025:  19:07:25

The issue or concern with the tension hoop is not how high it sits overall but the height of the neck notch relative to the plane of the fretboard. As long as the top of the notch is lower than the 22nd fret when you get the head as tight as you like, you should be fine.

The additional issue here is that the  plane of the fretboard relative to the plane of the head is not standard. If your fretboard is higher than your head, then I think it's likely you'll be able to get the neck notch lower than the 22nd fret and avoid any contact with the strings.

itsnotyou - Posted - 08/11/2025:  06:47:36

You need to know prior to the 80's banjo heads were, High Crown = 9/16" Medium Crown = 1/2" Low Crown = 7/16".

Modern measurements are High Crown = 1/2" Medium Crown = 7/16" Low Crown = 3/8".

All Deering Banjos made before 2006 use High Crown heads the 06 tone ring models use Medium Crown. All Goodtime banjos still use High Crown.

Edited by - itsnotyou on 08/11/2025 06:50:14

pinenut - Posted - 08/11/2025:  10:54:53

quote:

---

Originally posted by Old Hickory

The issue or concern with the tension hoop is not how high it sits overall but the height of the neck notch relative to the plane of the fretboard. As long as the top of the notch is lower than the 22nd fret when you get the head as tight as you like, you should be fine.

The additional issue here is that the  plane of the fretboard relative to the plane of the head is not standard. If your fretboard is higher than your head, then I think it's likely you'll be able to get the neck notch lower than the 22nd fret and avoid any contact with the strings.

 

---

Second Old Hickory's post.  Measure the tension hoop thickness at the neck notch and where it sits in relation to the height of the neck at the rim. 

Medium crown will probably fit nicely on a Gold Tone BG150F.  This should bring the tension hoop crown up to a more 'typical' position relative to the neck and head instead of looking like a clapped out skin head that has run out of tension space.

Edited by - pinenut on 08/11/2025 11:12:45