Head tension

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Banjitar City

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28 Members, Created 12/15/2013 -

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From Golden_Oldie on 2/22/2014 12:39:17 PM

Hi, I'm back again for some more advice. Does anyone know if there is a correct head tension for a 6 string banjo. I read that a 5 string is set somewhere around 85/89 with a Drum Dial, would that be the same for a 6 string.

Thank for any help.

2 Comments
	darwinyarwin says: 2/23/2014 9:35:26 AM There are too many variables for one correct head tension, imho. Type of head, string gauges, tone you prefer, bridge footprint, etc etc. Search here on BHO for the Steve Davis method of measuring head tension, and that'll get you in the ball park. There's also a sizable number of adherents to the "note" tuning of heads. I 'spose "e" would be the note for a guitar-tuned 6 string banjo? I've had two banjitars over many years and never found head tension to be critical. I just tightened them "enough". (From a slack head, just tighten until the head comes alive, then adjust by trial and error or the Davis method?) I bet there aren't enough banjitar players here on BHO for any rigid "correct" tension setting to have become standardized. Whatddya think?
	Golden_Oldie says: 3/21/2014 4:05:35 AM Thanks darwinyarwin for your input, very much appreciated. I was also thinking that "E" or "F" would be the tuning note. I say "F" purely going from the 5 string head tuning being a "G#", hope that makes sense. I'll have a tinker about a listen to what sounds good.
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