I am considering installing a hide head on my TB-3 Conversion from 26. Just wondering if anyone has played a banjo like mine with a hide head and has any input? I have hide heads on all my open backs. Thanks
I had a hide head, goat, on a 1926 tb3 w ball bearing tone ring in place.
I changed heads, strings, bridges, action and just couldn’t fall in love with that banjo. I even tried a Sullivan flat head tone ring.
Sold it.
I used to get in the hangout chat room with a guy who put one on his ball bearing. He loved it as long as it never left the house.
Outside was a different story.
I tried a Gold Tone hide head on my '29 tb-2 conversion.
I couldn't get a pleasing result without tightening the head beyond what I considered safe.
I actually like the tone of my resonator banjo. I would just like to temper it a bit for old-time jams. Since it currently needs a setup, to play clawhammer and 2/3 finger, I figured I might give a hide head a try. I need to make a decision since I will bring it in next Tuesday. It was the luthier I am having set it up mentioned I might find it difficult to have a hide head installed on it. It currently has a frosted head. Perhaps I just need to put some stuffing in it.
A good quality hide head is a fairly expensive investment. And if you're going to pay someone to do it, it's going to be very expensive.
Obviously when these banjos were first built, they had hide heads (for 4 decades at least!) You'll be hearing the "original sound". It will be softer for sure. Depending on set up, it doesn't have to be quieter though.
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