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Originally posted by Jourdain31660

 Would a banjo with a simple rolled brass tone ring be enough

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Yes

Your playing technique determines the volume range you have at your disposal.

There are inherently loud banjos (I have a Lo Gordon-made Cedar Mountain banjo with a rolled brass tone ring. It's the smallest modern banjo that I own and yet easily the one with most available cut-through tone). But that is irrelevant in regard to session playing. Intrusively loud is frankly bad session etiquette. Along with out-of-time playing it is right at the top of the 'don't do it' list.

The different tone rings offer personal tone preferences and don't make them any more or any less suitable for session playing.

I would hazard the opinion that many old time jams don't really want loud banjos.

I see more banjos without tone rings, than with, at the old time jams I observe at Banjo Camp North. Both new and ancient banjos.

I think the banjo you have would be fine, if you're comfortable with it.

Although, I don't remember which model Pisgah I had years ago, it was an A-scale with a Dobson tone ring and I really liked it and the tone and volume. To me, it sounded just like I want a clawhammer banjo to sound like. I traded it for a guitar, only because it was easier for me to use a capo on my old Vega, than to carry two banjos when I went to jam or gig.

Now, I'm disappointed I gave up the Pisgah, because I never followed through and learned to play guitar.

A pick on the bum finger should take care of any volume issues. Banjos too loud at jams are more common than too faint. Ask others at the jam about your volume. What you have already should be just fine and after that it is technique for volume control. Best. banjered

Did you try a lighter weight bridge?

That can Increase volume.

I’ve tried 3 ply maple rim banjos, block rim banjos, tone hoop banjos, and even had a Pass ring made for a high end banjo, and all sounded good at home, but disappointing in a live music jam situation. Last year I bought used Deering Sierra open back banjo, with a full blown bell brass tone ring. Now, instead of pulling the strings off my banjo trying to be heard, I have the pleasure of playing relaxed, and I’m in control of the volume needed to contribute to the music, with plenty of head room. It’s the same tone ring that Steve Martin has in his Clawgrass banjo.