The other day I came across these tiny pillows on Amazon, I figured they might be something worth while for stuffing in the back of my banjo. So I invested $12.99 + tax for a two pack of these 7"x11" pillows, surprisingly they work great. I've seen several ideas here on the forum for muting open back banjos but have never seen these little pillows before, or maybe I just over looked them. I reckon they would work for resonator banjos as well, but I don't know how much trouble it would be to remove the resonator. Anyway, here is the link for the pillows if you take a notion to purchase a pack. (amazon.com/dp/B0BZXZV2V2?ref=p...itle&th=1)
Steve
I suppose it depends on what you want to accomplish with your "stuffing." These pillows look like they are so large they would mute the sound rather than just removing the overtones. I prefer something much smaller and less bulky so that the volume is not affected.
I like to use a couple wool socks. I tie them around the coordinator rods (or dowelstick).
As a bonus, if it gets cold or wet while jamming I have dry wool socks to wear.
quote:
Originally posted by banjukeboxI suppose it depends on what you want to accomplish with your "stuffing." These pillows look like they are so large they would mute the sound rather than just removing the overtones. I prefer something much smaller and less bulky so that the volume is not affected.
If it's too "bulky" for you, I reckon you could cut one in half and have two approximately 5"x7".
One of the great mysteries….pay thousands for an instrument that has a certain sound…then throw a pillow in it…to change the sound.
Must be from a different generation or two.
You raise a fair point. Stuffing the pot has always seemed strange to me and against my natural instinct.
At the same time though, is stuffing the pot fundamentally different than changing a bridge, strings, or head? It's all just modifications in search of tone.
Edited by - KCJones on 09/17/2024 15:14:41
Kyle Creed used foam rubber. I like fiber fill in a black cloth bag.
In my short time of learning the frailing/clawhammer banjo style I've noticed some players like it bright and loud while others like a more muted, or as some would say a "plunky" tone. Whether that's here in the southern Appalachian region or elsewhere in the country. It's just a matter of opinion I reckon.
Back to the pillows, these tiny little things do tone my banjo down a bit, I'm glad I ran across them. There's just enough fill in them to keep them in place.
BTW, at 69 years old, I'm probably a generation or two older than some of you on here.
Steve
I remember 69; I could still hear the high notes.
quote:
Originally posted by restreetI remember 69; I could still hear the high notes.
I can still hear them fairly good, but I can tell my hearing ain't like it use to be.
Banjo Bolster. (No affiliation -- just a very satisfied customer.)
