Hi all,
I'm wondering what other setup/techs/luthiers aim for when tuning a banjo head to a specific note. Most info I've found suggests tuning to a specific note (G# for example) that is in the musical scale but not played often. I've been playing around and I find I tend to like tuning off of a musical note, preferring to sit between scale tones as one would when tuning the resonance frequency of a guitar top/air chamber.
Does anyone here have experience with this? I'm dialed in to the Irish community where I live and work so I mostly get Celtic tenor banjo players rather than bluegrass or clawhammer players at my shop. They tune low (GDAE) and tend to like a looser vellum than would be prescribed in bluegrass reference material.
I'd appreciate any professional input or player preferences relating to this community. Cheers!
I'm one of the many who cannot hear the tapped note while tensioning.
I'm also one of the many who find a Drum Dial a whole lot productive, easier, more accurate and reliable.
I don't go by ear either, too many overtones! I use a spectrometer so I can tune the air chamber, tap tone, and upper harmonics at the same time, and ensure even tension by assessing the shape of the peaks. Do you tune to a specific note with the drum dial? I've never used one
Ah I see it measures head tension. Is there a specific tension you aim for?
Depending on your personal taste and the environment you play in, basically:
85 ~ 92 > mellow groovin' to loud & proud
quote:
Originally posted by Bart VeermanDepending on your personal taste and the environment you play in, basically:
Awesome, thanks!! I'm gonna try that out
85 ~ 92 > mellow groovin' to loud & proud
For synthetic heads:
Lower head tension (~85) and/or thicker material attenuate high frequency response.
Higher head tension (~92) attenuates low frequency response.
Depending on the weather... there is usually a tension between that is agreeable for you and the banjo.
note: Check out the Steve Davis head tension method with a 10" ruler and coins if a DrumDial isn't handy.
note: smakulafrettedinstruments.com/...njo-heads is a great source for information
Edited by - pinenut on 01/16/2025 12:41:17
quote:
Originally posted by pinenutFor synthetic heads:
Lower head tension (~85) and/or thicker material attenuate high frequency response.
Higher head tension (~92) attenuates low frequency response.
Depending on the weather... there is usually a tension between that is agreeable for you and the banjo.
note: Check out the Steve Davis head tension method with a 10" ruler and coins if a DrumDial isn't handy.
note: smakulafrettedinstruments.com/...njo-heads is a great source for information
Thanks. I'll be getting a drum dial to try out, but I'm more interested in the target frequencies, specifically the difference between tuning to a note or between scale notes. I've done both, and my clients have been happy with both.
I find it's quite easy to negatively affect pitch stability if any of the resonant frequencies are close to scale tones, as they will pull or push the note and create dissonance. If I were to start using a drum dial I would only use it as a first step to get close to where I want it, then adjust to pitch. I don't imagine you could use the drum dial effectively with the strings on and at tension? so it couldn't be used for fine-tuning
The DrumDial works fine with the strings on or off for course tension/tuning (the reading doesn't change appreciably). It is a great course adjustment and usually good enough.
I agree with using an additional method for very fine or specific tuning (finding the sparkle).
Edited by - pinenut on 01/16/2025 14:27:39
quote:
Originally posted by pinenutThe DrumDial works fine with the strings on or off for course tension/tuning (the reading doesn't change appreciably). It is a great course adjustment and usually good enough.
I agree with using an additional method for very fine or specific tuning (finding the sparkle).
That's really good to know. Thanks!
