I have been on this path of using Corian for banjo tone rings for a couple years. It makes a good sounding banjo and is lighter than bell bronze.
It has been while since I posted anything on this. We have been trimming the weight of the ring to see if there is any compromise of the sound. There seems not to be.
We continue to retrofit some conventional bluegrass banjos with a lightweight Corian ring. No modifications are made to the original instrument. The only real change is the weight.
I suppose I am working at the banjo weight loss clinic.
The use of Corian for a resonator is a bit unique since it is integral to the structure of our banjos. Ealier instruments had sidewalls and back that were all Corian. Not the lightest design.
So, we continue using the Corian for the sidewall since it is simple to form.
And tried something different for the back. Corian's density affords us a strong reflective effect which we all use resonators for. Looking for a dense lighter material, we focused on laminates. Laminate flooring for the win. Most laminate flooring is made with high density fiberboard. It is rigid, dense and strong. And light.
Some photos are below. Yes, it is not wood, but it is affordable and I would suggest that it works better.
And it is lighter. This instrument is just a touch over 7#.
One side benefit of our design is the top tensioning hex head bolts allow the whole banjo to be taken apart and reassembled in a couple minutes. That includes tensioning the head to 90.
Edited by - lazlototh on 05/27/2025 04:33:46
Looking forward to hearing it
I work with 1/2” Corian a lot and find it hard to believe a reso made of this is lighter than wood .
A 1/2" resonator would not be lighter. I used 3/16" on this one, ripping 1/2" in half. Corian is only on the sidewall of the resonator.
I have some resonators made of 1/2" for the sides and back. Talk about using banjo as a weapon!
I like the hefty look but it weighs a lot more.
Our recent design has no wooden rim and the tone ring is 1/4", so it is a fair bit lighter than a conventional tone ring.
Here we go.
Apologies for my playing.
youtu.be/BbE9hXM-I7M
A lighter banjo regardless of structure is ok for plunking at home but a lighter banjo just doesn't get it in a jam.
I think you might be surprised. I will leave that to others to comment once they hear it being used as we get some out in the field.
quote:
Originally posted by banjobob36A lighter banjo regardless of structure is ok for plunking at home but a lighter banjo just doesn't get it in a jam.
The loudest banjo I own currently is my aluminum Ode. I've heard those set up to peel paint.
quote:
Originally posted by lazlototh
I suppose I am working at the banjo weight loss clinic.
Makes me wish I still had access to the physics lab I used in college and a research grant.
