What type of armrest that will fit this banjo, and where can I find one? It is a 16-bracket with a 10 3/4" head. I tried a single-leg armrest, but it wouldn't stay in place (too much space between the brackets.)
These are elegant and comfortable and adjust to fit almost any spacing: https://www.banjoteacher.com/banjo-supplies/armrest/wood-armrests/banjomate-thinline-armrest-for-oldtime-banjo.html?gad_source=1. They need at least 1 1/4" from the top of the tension band to where the flange holding the hooks flares out more than 1/4". (Pretty pricey, though.)
(I made some from scratch when nothing commercial would fit, but that's for the DIY courageous.)
Thanks for the suggestion. I didn’t want to spend that much, but I may not have a choice.
I just like to show off sometimes. Some BHO members are really fantastically skilled wood workers. I just get things done -- a firm believer in "good enough" and an enthusiastic promoter of DIY.
Nice! I’m afraid I don’t have the skills to do that.
I have a Deering Goodtime armrest on a Recording King banjo of mine and I like the armrest.
It's got a 1/2 inch wide flat surface on the top, where you lay your arm, and I find it comfortable to use.
I got mine from Elderly Instruments for $24.00. I don't know if it could be adapted to your banjo or not.
One thing that I noticed in the picture that you posted of the side of the rim of your banjo, is that it
looks like there are extra holes on the side of the rim where tension hooks could be added. If you
could add in an extra tension hook, it might help in attaching one of these armrests that mount on the
tension hooks. The mounting holes in the side of the armrest are slotted, so the armrest will fit different
tension hook spacing. If one had the banjo and the armrest, one could pretty quickly see if it could be
made to work. Otherwise, it's just speculation.
Very good idea using an armrest at all
Here’s a photo of the PISGAH
it fits 16 hook pattern in a two leg version and 18, 22, 24 spacing = noggin
I don’t know the cost
Zach Hoyt will make a nice wooden one for $30 + $5 shipping. I think that's a really good price.
https://hoytbanjos.com/parts/ Scroll down near the end of the page for details.
Edited by - rcc56 on 07/07/2024 19:17:06
I lost signal yesterday.
The key here will be finding an attachment system that will work with the Harmony flange and not break it off. You will need to communicate that to Mr. Hoyt if you choose him.
I read the Gold Tone AC-1 armrest is for a 16-hook pattern as well, spacing of hooks is worth measuring.
Edited by - Helix on 07/08/2024 03:36:32
I have a B-stock https://goldtonemusicgroup.com/goldtone/parts/b1332?dvid=7082 for my Gold Tone AC-1, which, as noted, is also 16-hook. On mine, I had to cut slight notches with a Dremel tool at the ends to get it fit nicely between two hooks. If you attach to only one hook, it will wobble. See the picture with red arrows where I added notches.
Perhaps it's been resized slightly to not have this problem, but I don't know. It is a comfortable armrest once I got it to stay in place and not move. Because of the narrow rim and its molded shape, the minimum height of the top of the armrest above the head is about 7/16".
Edited by - danh on 07/08/2024 07:24:55
Have you considered trying a wire armrest? I have these on several of my banjos and have been pleased with them. I don't have a banjo with 16 brackets but these have feet with slots that give you some adjustability. In addition, each of the sites below has a knowledgeable owner who can give you advice on whether the armrest will fit and what you might do to get a good fit.
Vintage Style Wire Banjo Armrest (smakulafrettedinstruments.com)
Accessories — Bourbon Banjo Works (bourbonbanjos.com)
David
A wire armrest seems like it would be just as uncomfortable as resting my arm on the banjo rim.
The wires are dangerous to tendons and permanent damage.
In the past I have added a wooden cap to a nickel plated rest like the Gold Tone
The Harmony Bakelite and AC-1 have different plastic formulas, yours is thicker and heavier.
Ingenuity will prevail.
Here's our first banjo, the Harmony, it was a group instrument, we all taught each other.
My best idea, if it were an 11" head, would be the Goodtime armrest, as someone up above said. I have two of them on 16 hook Kalamzoo's and they fit like they were made for it. But at 10 3/4", I just don't know. Is it close enough? No idea.
Granny: "I’m afraid I don’t have the skills to do that."
Tongue-in-cheek, that's why we have Red Green and duct tape. 
I have a brand new Goodtime armrest you can have. Message me your address and I’ll sent it to you.
quote:
Originally posted by Banjo GrannyA wire armrest seems like it would be just as uncomfortable as resting my arm on the banjo rim.
Actually wire armrests are more comfortable than resting your arm on a tension hoop and bracket hooks. But it’s a moot point for banjo granny as wire armrests will not work on a harmony Resotone banjo.
Bob Smakula
I agree Bob and the sweat damages the head
Aside) I did see an elegant solution to the wire by wrapping it tightly with yarn and gluing a flat bottom ergo piece on top so the armrest rocks with the player!
Edited by - Helix on 07/10/2024 06:28:38
quote:
Originally posted by HelixVery good idea using an armrest at all
Here’s a photo of the PISGAH
it fits 16 hook pattern in a two leg version and 18, 22, 24 spacing = noggin
I don’t know the cost
That particular Armadillo Arm Rest is persimmon (only ebony native to North America) and no longer available but others are in walnut, cherry and Ritchlite. I no longer recall what I paid for that one as I have had it a few years. Current cost is $79.95-$99.95.
Balsam Banjo Works, Pigsaw Wood & Ritchlite Arm Rests.
The reason that Larry has it is that he's building me a new banjo. I will post pictures next week after I get it.
Edited by - mikehalloran on 07/10/2024 12:44:31
