Hi,
Looking for a UK seller/maker of internal wooden sound baffles / reflector plates that will fit a standard 11-inch open-back Deering Goodtime. Willing to consider overseas options.
Context: I play clawhammer banjo and play / gig regularly with a fiddle player. The Deering is a fretless version of the Goodtime and I will be fitting nylgut strings to it for extra plunk. But as it doesn't have a tone ring, it might not be heard over the fiddle and someone suggested fitting an internal resonator (i.e., not the Deering resonator kit).
I've looked on the Market place here, I've googled and looked on Etsy, but nothing relevant shows up as far as I can tell. I've never seen one, so they are a mystery to me atm.
Advice and suggestions appreciated, including on whether they are worth while.
Thanks :)
By pure coincidence yesterday I was handling and playing two nylon strung vintage banjos that had differing metal reflector plate designs inside the pot. These appeared to be original rather than after-sale additions. The simplest was a dished thin metal plate screwed to the back of the perch pole with a gap of about 1/3” between the edge of the plate and the underside of the skin. A version of this design would be very simple to make and fit, only requiring the removal and refitting of the head.
It did noticeably focus the sound and project more of that energy forwards. Effectively making the banjo louder to anyone in front.
Edited by - EEB on 10/15/2026 08:53:45
Is THIS what you're looking for?...
quote:
Originally posted by Stu D Baker-HawkIs THIS what you're looking for?...
Spin-on Resonator Plate for Deering Goodtime Banjos
That's a full standard resonator rather than an internal reflecting plate design. Obviously it does the same job but is a lot bulkier.
The lightweight plate on the vintage banjo was invisible from the front and unobtrusive from the back.
Edited by - EEB on 10/15/2026 08:59:26
quote:
Originally posted by EEBBy pure coincidence yesterday I was handling and playing two nylon strung vintage banjos that had differing metal reflector plate designs inside the pot. These appeared to be original rather than after-sale additions. The simplest was a dished thin metal plate screwed to the back of the perch pole with a gap of about 1/3” between the edge of the plate and the underside of the skin. A version of this design would be very simple to make and fit, only requiring the removal and refitting of the head.
It did noticeably focus the sound and project more of that energy forwards. Effectively making the banjo louder to anyone in front.
Thanks @EEB. Useful to know that they do project energy forwards. I am very interested in making one, but it would help me to see one first; I don't suppose you have a photo you could share? No worries if not.
quote:
Originally posted by Stu D Baker-HawkIs THIS what you're looking for?...
Spin-on Resonator Plate for Deering Goodtime Banjos
Hi Stu. Many thanks for replying. Unfortunately, that's a kit for an external resonator, the kind that bluegrass players have. I'm looking for a disc that fits inside an open back banjo. No luck so far :(
quote:
Originally posted by DebbersThanks @EEB. Useful to know that they do project energy forwards. I am very interested in making one, but it would help me to see one first; I don't suppose you have a photo you could share? No worries if not.
This is the vintage English banjo with the metal disc reflector that I was playing yesterday. The photos include a back view that show the disc:
https://glensbritishbanjocollection.co.uk/collection/crosby-crosbie/model-3/
Edited by - EEB on 10/15/2026 11:58:58
quote:
Originally posted by EEBquote:
Originally posted by DebbersThanks @EEB. Useful to know that they do project energy forwards. I am very interested in making one, but it would help me to see one first; I don't suppose you have a photo you could share? No worries if not.
This is the vintage English banjo with the metal disc reflector that I was playing yesterday. The photos include a back view that show the disc:
https://glensbritishbanjocollection.co.uk/collection/crosby-crosbie/model-3/
Thank you very much. That's helpful and appreciated :)
I suspect this is a feature of UK made banjos, because I have two UK tenor banjos in my (modest) collection with reflector plates, rather than wrap around resonators. The Windsor has a metal one and the Grafton has a wooden one, but neither banjos are still manufactured. Best bet would be to contact one of the few banjo specialists we have here, but the likelihood is that most such plates will be already attached to another banjo.
Come to think of it, I might be happy to let the Grafton wooden disc go to a good home, since at present it is not being used since I fitted a full resonator onto that banjo.
quote:
Originally posted by Jerry HatrickCome to think of it, I might be happy to let the Grafton wooden disc go to a good home, since at present it is not being used since I fitted a full resonator onto that banjo.
Hi Jerry,
Ah, a UK thing. That's really interesting to know, thanks. And if you're willing to part with the Grafton gadget, please let me know how much you like for it.
Frankly, I have no clue what is being referred to here, and I'm a connoisseur of banjo accessories. If not a resonator, what is it?
Wooden insert? Could someone post an image? I'm baffled.
quote:
Originally posted by Joel HooksFrankly, I have no clue what is being referred to here, and I'm a connoisseur of banjo accessories. If not a resonator, what is it?
Wooden insert? Could someone post an image? I'm baffled.
There are photos in a message above date 15th Oct that gives the general idea.
It might be a UK thing.
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