I was recently gifted a C.F. Martin Goya GB-75 and am so excited. It came with some loose tension rods and in trying to tighten them I busted the head (guy at guitar center has since explained to me how it should have been done). I'd like to go back with a new head and have it put on, but am unsure of which size banjo head to buy. I measured about 11" on the drum diameter but am unsure of crown height to get and if i have the right measurement. I couldn't find any documentation on the banjo either. Any pointers would be super appreciated!
Varchie
Post a picture of the banjo. It would be no surprise to see specifications change over the years and the head that might fit on one version of the banjo model might not fit on another.
To measure for crown height, measure the height of the tension hoop where the neck and rim join.
Bob Smakula
Crown height is sort of self-defining. If the tension hoop sits way proud of the head surface when the head is properly-tensioned, you should probably use a higher-crown head. If the tension hoop pulls down beyond the top of the tone ring, you would need a lower-crown head. I use medium crown heads on all of my banjos, because they are all set-up similarly, but not identically.
My concern is that a version of the Goya GB-75 may be a bottle cap banjo, requiring a 11-1/8" low crown head. If it is a standard construction banjo, then likely a 11" medium crown head will be the way to go.
Bob Smakula
It's a standard Mastertone configuration
quote:
Originally posted by beegeeIt's a standard Mastertone configuration
Yep. Those I have seen are Korean with Masterpiece in the fretboard block.
Somebody has one listed for sale for way too much + exorbitant shipping (good luck with that!)
About 11” on the drum diameter is not correct enough !
You must order a banjo head with the "correct" dimensions to the nearest 1/16”.
There are dimensions of 11”, . 11” 1/16, . 11” 2/16, . 11” 3/16, . … 11” 11/16, . 11” 14/16 . etc …
(eg website Elderly.com).
quote:
Originally posted by lodeAbout 11” on the drum diameter is not correct enough !
You must order a banjo head with the "correct" dimensions to the nearest 1/16”.
There are dimensions of 11”, . 11” 1/16, . 11” 2/16, . 11” 3/16, . … 11” 11/16, . 11” 14/16 . etc …
(eg website Elderly.com).
....unless the banjo has the "standard Mastertone configuration" as has been stated this Goya banjo does, then it's 11", but will still need to specify low, medium, or high crown height.
Measure caewfully. It may be based on a Mastertone, but since it's Korean made, sizes may be Metric, and only very close to 11 inches.
Thanks for all the help! I ended up ordering a medium crown 11" diameter head on other advice and kinda a whim. It comes in next week and im gonna take it to my local string music place to have them put it on, if its the wrong size i can just return it. I'll update the post with the correct dimensions and some pictures next week if anyone is interested, ive got finals to study for until then!
Bob Smakula It ended up being a 11" diameter and it needed a high crown (1/2"). Dont believe it is a "bottleneck" banjo
I have plenty of that size in stock. Most bluegrass players like the frosted top head.
Bob Smakula
smakula.com
I already got it replaced, just thought id @ you since you seem to collect this sort of knowledge lol. Thanks for the help
quote:
Originally posted by VarchieBob Smakula It ended up being a 11" diameter and it needed a high crown (1/2"). Dont believe it is a "bottleneck" banjo
I believe Bob referenced "bottle-cap" banjos, not "bottle-neck" ! 
Whoops, meant bottlecap. Those look interesting but I dont believe the GB-75 is one
quote:
Originally posted by VarchieThose look interesting but I dont believe the GB-75 is one
Those aren't very interesting. They are cheap and a bit nasty.
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