JBDrifter - Posted - 02/24/2026:  12:03:55

I'm a relatively new clawhammer player. I'm thinking about my second banjo - I currently have a Pisgah 12" Dobson short scale. Any suggestions for something with a bit different tone?

pinenut - Posted - 02/24/2026:  12:41:24

Hi Wally,

Any standard scale 11" banjo will be very different from a short scale or 12" banjo.

I prefer 11" rims with a longer scale, ~27"; 26.25 is close enough and Whyte Laydies have a balanced voice.

My favorite feature is a deeper rim assembly; 3.5" is about the deepest that fits in a bump case.  I like this because it consistently adds that 'noticeable-something' to the tone and volume.

Edited by - pinenut on 02/24/2026 12:56:49

Bill Rogers - Posted - 02/24/2026:  12:43:35

An 11” rim banjo (1/2” thick or thinner rim) with a Tubaphone or Whyte Laydie/Electric scalloped tone ring.

JBDrifter - Posted - 02/25/2026:  13:48:18

quote:

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Originally posted by pinenut

Hi Wally,

Any standard scale 11" banjo will be very different from a short scale or 12" banjo.

 

I prefer 11" rims with a longer scale, ~27"; 26.25 is close enough and Whyte Laydies have a balanced voice.

My favorite feature is a deeper rim assembly; 3.5" is about the deepest that fits in a bump case.  I like this because it consistently adds that 'noticeable-something' to the tone and volume.

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JBDrifter - Posted - 02/25/2026:  13:49:31

Thanks. What about a Little Wonder tone ring 11” pot?

JBDrifter - Posted - 02/25/2026:  13:51:35

quote:

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Originally posted by Bill Rogers

An 11” rim banjo (1/2” thick or thinner rim) with a Tubaphone or Whyte Laydie/Electric scalloped tone ring.

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JBDrifter - Posted - 02/25/2026:  13:52:13

Thanks - what about a Little Wonder tone ring?

Bill Rogers - Posted - 02/25/2026:  13:58:16

Those are fine. Not as powerful as the other two.

JBDrifter - Posted - 02/26/2026:  04:13:49

Thanks again!

pinenut - Posted - 02/26/2026:  19:39:35

quote:

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Originally posted by JBDrifter

Thanks. What about a Little Wonder tone ring 11” pot?  This is a good thing.

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I like the Little Wonder tone rings.  The have a lot in common with the WL, but, the Laydies have that bigger, slightly husky voice; both sing. 

Don't forget about the Silver bell on a rod; it is much like the WL with more of a clean ringing tone.  

And, tubbies have bark and a little more volume. 

The open back bronze flat-heads are amazing and have all of the sound/tone plus, plus; plus they have a multi-pound weight penalty.

WL's are a sorta-baseline; I struggle to have a steady favorite tone ring or neck profile.  

Throw a rock; well made instruments are a pleasure and some of the lesser makes are too.