double E - Posted - 05/06/2026:  19:34:16

Anyone have any experience in how to get that "splat" out of a Gibson banjo. I've been fooling with setups a long time but I'm not sure what gives that sound. Some of you guys will know what I'm talking about. I've thought about maybe trying a thinner frosted head. Any ideas, suggestions on setup. ??

plars - Posted - 05/06/2026:  20:46:51

I love this topic! I think comes from a bunch of different things. One is the “slinky-ness” of strings/setup. Have you simply tried lighter gauged strings? I get the “splat” out of a couple old Gibsons and a Yates banjo I have but nothing else. It’s honestly a sound that I didn’t appreciate, or even really hear, until many many years after playing and tinkering with tons of banjos.

chuckv97 - Posted - 05/06/2026:  20:50:36

Pls explain “splat” , if it’s possible to do so

Will Frady - Posted - 05/07/2026:  00:14:53

“Splat” may be subjective to the hearer ? I think the know I also thought a lot of the sound was from the old hide heads ?? I’m not really sure but I “think” I know it when I hear it ? I’d like to know myself. Maybe somebody can help you .

Will Frady - Posted - 05/07/2026:  00:16:20

Should’ve read I think I know the sound you’re talking about.

mynameisjeramy - Posted - 05/07/2026:  00:31:42

I agree with Paul, raising the tailpiece especially helps get a slinky feel and more splat. Tailpieces with a different cutout for the 3rd string give you even more of that feel (presto, some clamshells). I think there's something special about the reduced break angle over the 3rd string.

Could you cite some recordings that have the splat you're trying to get?

banjobob36 - Posted - 05/07/2026:  05:04:09

Remove the resonator and check the tail piece bracket. Check for a crack at the bend. After many sized strings and brands I am pleased with that sound you mean on my 2002 Gibson FHS when I installed Huber strings.

plars - Posted - 05/07/2026:  05:43:40

Not to hijack replies but these are what I think of with "splat".... I think these do a good job of showing the tone when played lightly or played hard.



youtube.com/watch?v=de_6yooDM_...t_radio=1



youtube.com/watch?v=dVIXvZQNIi...t_radio=1



youtube.com/watch?v=nH2P9pyUkEc

youtube.com/watch?v=XLYNqybUWmc

Edited by - plars on 05/07/2026 05:44:43

Bart Veerman - Posted - 05/07/2026:  05:58:34

Splat to me means when the bridge leans too far towards the neck and smacks onto the head (this happens only during the middle of the night of course).
How about you poke around on Youtube and find a vid of your favourite banjo hero that we can seen and listen to so we know what you're talking about.

The Old Timer - Posted - 05/07/2026:  09:10:40

Double E I can't tell from your post if you regard "splat" as good or bad. You say you want to get it out of your banjo. Do you mean you want to get RID of splat, or get your banjo to deliver splat?

Personally I regard splat as bad tone and bad set up. YMMV of course.

double E - Posted - 05/17/2026:  15:26:49

Sorry I haven’t replied back. I thought I had ask to be notified in this topic. Life has been to busy lately. The splat I’m trying to hear is a good desired splat. lol. I’ll see if I can find a recording when I get a chance. I do appreciate the replies. I was thinking maybe a different head would give me what I’m looking for. I’ve tried different guage strings and it didn’t work. I run my presto around 5/16” off the head at the front. Head usually around 89-90. I’m wondering if what I’m referring to is just something that only some banjos have. I appreciate it guys.

RB3 - Posted - 05/18/2026:  07:16:17

In this context, I think that "splat" is a banjonomatopoeia. I'm familiar with Mastertone style banjo tone descriptions such as pop, crack, bite, dry, hollow, fat, tubby, throaty, etc, but this is the first time I've encountered "splat".

Edited by - RB3 on 05/18/2026 07:21:00

Bart Veerman - Posted - 05/18/2026:  07:59:43

quote:

---

Originally posted by double E

The splat I’m trying to hear is a good desired splat.

---

so still no description what you mean by "splat," sigh...

Owen - Posted - 05/18/2026:  08:18:56

I suspect it's one of those "you'll know it when you hear it" things. [Somewhat like Wayne's list.]   

lightgauge - Posted - 05/18/2026:  09:25:23

Not all banjos are capable of producing Splat. It is a sweet, clear tone that seems to last just a slight bit longer. I hear it mostly in older instruments. For me, it would be rare in a newer banjo. If a regular note is a ping, splat is more of a pong.
How's that for describing sound!

double E - Posted - 05/18/2026:  14:53:48

I agree. Probably more from older banjos. I still want to try and find a video.

plars - Posted - 05/18/2026:  15:31:42

quote:

---

Originally posted by double E

I agree. Probably more from older banjos. I still want to try and find a video.

---

how about this one:

youtube.com/watch?v=za90OQ1Qc_o

jethrobodine - Posted - 05/18/2026:  16:09:24

quote:Originally posted by plarsquote:Originally posted by double EI agree. Probably more from older banjos. I still want to try and find a video.how about this one:

youtube.com/watch?v=za90OQ1Qc_o

The first video you posted is the best example of splat for me. There is a video of Charlie Cushman talking about splat and giving an example, but I can't fine it, short of watching all of his videos.

double E - Posted - 05/18/2026:  17:12:43

quote:

---

Originally posted by jethrobodine

quote:Originally posted by plarsquote:Originally posted by double EI agree. Probably more from older banjos. I still want to try and find a video.how about this one:



youtube.com/watch?v=za90OQ1Qc_o



The first video you posted is the best example of splat for me. There is a video of Charlie Cushman talking about splat and giving an example, but I can't fine it, short of watching all of his videos.

---

double E - Posted - 05/18/2026:  17:16:37

Yes! There you go. That’s pretty much what im talking about. That’s a great sounding banjo. I’ve heard Daniel playing one of his own that sounded that way. It’s probably not something that you can really set up for. If it is Charlie Cushman would probably know. It is interesting topic. EE

Bart Veerman - Posted - 05/18/2026:  21:18:37

Just watched them vids and think I know now what you mean.

If so, then this sound/tone performance requires head tension at 91~92 and a light weight bridge at about 2 grams, top of it no thicker than 2.2 mm.

ADDED: a decent banjo set up like this will take you in the greater than 92 dBs audio range, consider hearing protection.

Edited by - Bart Veerman on 05/18/2026 21:22:55