I am currently setting up a mahogany banjo with a Tennessee 20 tone ring (on a Cox maple rim). I am following Scot Zimmerman's set up directions; they're often referred to on this forum. Mr. Zimmerman mentions the importance of a tight head to get the full response from a T20, but he gives the advice in pitches. I have lost some of my hearing on the high end, and I no longer hear the pitches off the head; so this question: if you have set up a T20 and have checked it with a drum dial, at what number did it sound best for you? Thanks a lot.
Variety in responses to this question will likely be a result of slight differences and calibrations in drum dials. If I'm not mistaken, the inside diameter of the bearing surface of different Gibson-style flathead tone rings should be very close as to not significantly change the tap tone at different head tensions.
On my dial, on a Gibson-style flathead banjo, I have found an A to be ~90, and G# to be ~89.
quote:I have a digital drum dial and perfect accuracy is questionable. All of the gibson style flatheads I have set up and/or built (12) have always sounded great at 89 on the drum dial. Most have been using std frosted top heads/ coordinator rods set to neutral/mahogany or walnut neck/resonator/ rims that are 3 ply or block - hard maple or red maple/light strings to almost medium/ 5/8 bridges weighing in at 2.2-2.4+ grams/tone rings slip fit (FQM Crowe, Kulesh Vintage 20 hole, Dannick no hole and 20 hole, Kulesh Big 10, Prucha, JBS Sloan, Yates V33 and V35, Memphsis Belle, Blaylock and Burlile. all have been extremely good from high 88s to high 89s on my drum dial.
Originally posted by LouieCheeVariety in responses to this question will likely be a result of slight differences and calibrations in drum dials. If I'm not mistaken, the inside diameter of the bearing surface of different Gibson-style flathead tone rings should be very close as to not significantly change the tap tone at different head tensions.
On my dial, on a Gibson-style flathead banjo, I have found an A to be ~90, and G# to be ~89.
I have a Tenn20 on a Pass Thinskirt rim, I believe birch, and and keep the head tension at 90.
I've had them together for almost 20 years now and had done alot of tinkering initially striving for that tension where the banjo sounded best....I settled on 90.
Thanks for the responses so far, everyone. I really appreciate them.
quote:
Originally posted by FultoncreekI am currently setting up a mahogany banjo with a Tennessee 20 tone ring (on a Cox maple rim). I am following Scot Zimmerman's set up directions; they're often referred to on this forum.
If you're referring to Scott's advice posted on his own website, please be aware of what he said here on the Hangout in a discussion back in August 2013:
"Id like to update my quote above. That post was made many many years ago. I would never use anything but a Remo top frosted head on the Tenn 20. I stopped using the Snuffy head after the third head I bought and they became extremely inconsistant. The Stewmac no logo Remo is a dream with the Tenn 20. I also agree that the Tenn isnt HARD to setup, it just has certain points that are important. It is NOT the tonering for those who cant resist tinkering. Set it up and ENJOY your banjo, you dont need to tinker. The Vintage 20 is a VERY good ring for sure, Ive used them and will use them again, but the Tenn 20 is my go to ring."
Of course, 2013 was 12 years ago. Who knows if the Stew-Mac no-logo Remo is still a dream. Things change.
Use the search tool in the left navigation column to find other discussions of the Tennessee 20.
Thanks for that heads-up, Old Hickory. I have a 5-Star on it now but if I don't make the progress I want, I'll try a Remo.
Please get rid of that 5 star, your banjo will open up with a Remo no logo I promise
Thanks, Scott, and everyone who has responded.
The Remo has been ordered!
Again, my appreciation to the Hangout.
quote:
Originally posted by desert rosePlease get rid of that 5 star, your banjo will open up with a Remo no logo I promise
I was a 5-Star user for over 30 years. Mainly because that's what John Janzegers put on my banjo when he made it.
Some time this century I started experimenting. I didn't like Remo at first. Tried AMB (Remo with extra coating) and liked it. Within the past two years I put on a Taiwan Remo with the crimp connection. I am loving the sound. This may not be what you're suggesting. But I have to admit I no longer miss the 5-Star.
The Janzegers tobin bronze tone ring has strong bass response. Maybe it's similar to the Tenn 20 in that regard. John believed in a very tight fit. I loosened it to slip fit/shake and drop going on 15 years ago and that improved the sound.
These days my hearing is not what it used to be, so I don't really know how my banjos sound. All I know is when I like what I hear.
