Many who follow discussions on this site, will be aware than my friend David Emery recently purchased an AWESOME Dobson-style banjo from master builder Jason Burns. When the banjo arrived from Jason’s shop, enclosed was a small scrap of sheepskin stuffed in the back. David mentioned the sheepskin. Frankly I didn’t think much about it. I don’t always stuff anything to mute my banjo – nor does David.
But as time passed, David RAVED about the sheepskin as an incredibly effective banjo stuffer. He said that it works great to smooth-out the overtones without totally wrecking the tone, sound, or volume of the banjo. So, I bought some sheepskin and gave it a try for myself.
Many of us use different things to stuff in the back of our banjos. All-kinds of materials work very well (socks, underwear, sea sponges, packing foam, bubble wrap … you name it). It ain’t rocket science – I know. But sheepskin really appeals to me for several reasons:
1. Soft, luxurious, natural feel
2. colors and look blend well with a hide head
3. works great to soften overtones – without changing the banjo sound too much
LIMITED TIME OFFER: I made a few of these small sheepskin banjo stuffers in various sizes, shapes, and colors. While they last, I will include one FREE with the purchase of a new JDBalch 4-star or Stern Tanning Co. pre-mounted banjo head. (Or …you can add one to your purchase for a JDBalch 3-star head for a charge of $5.00). These will be first-come-first served - while they last. The size, shape & color will vary.
Check out more photos here: http://www.banjohangout.org/myhangout/photos.asp?id=1896&albumid=7804
3 comments on “Sheepskin banjo stuffer - FREE OFFER”
dbrooks Says:
Sunday, April 7, 2013 @11:40:28 AM
What a great idea. And a good marketing offer. I use a small sea sponge and have not heard of sheepskin for this purpose. I think I'll go tighten the Bill Miller calfskin head on one of my Bay State banjos. I know where I can get good replacement if that head breaks.
jbalch Says:
Sunday, April 7, 2013 @2:47:29 PM
David:
I've used lots of different stuffing material in the past too - many things will get the job done quite well. Like I said "it ain't rocket science."
But I do really like the sheepskin. It has a nice subtle effect and is a very cool material.
Credit Jason Burns for introducing the idea to David E. and then to me.
DEmery Says:
Sunday, April 7, 2013 @3:08:51 PM
John I think folks that give this a try will like it. As you pointed out..., initially I didn't pay too much attention to it and one day I pulled the case Jason Burns sent with the slot head and put the sheep skin in the back of that thin rim Dobson he built for me. I agree it simply pulls the tone together. Thin rims are very active and I like it; but if you want a little focus these swatches of sheep skin really work well. It also I nice on my Whyte Laydie tone ring banjo. If you would; toss one in for me when we visit soon. I would like an extra. David E.
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