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.

Is THIS what you're looking for?...

Spin-on Resonator Plate for Deering Goodtime Banjos

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Originally posted by Stu D Baker-Hawk

Is THIS what you're looking for?...

Spin-on Resonator Plate for Deering Goodtime Banjos

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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.

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Originally posted by EEB

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.

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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.

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Originally posted by Stu D Baker-Hawk

Is THIS what you're looking for?...

Spin-on Resonator Plate for Deering Goodtime Banjos

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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 :(

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Originally posted by Debbers

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.

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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/

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Originally posted by EEB

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Originally posted by Debbers

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.

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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/

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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.

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Originally posted by Jerry Hatrick

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.

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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.

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Originally posted by Joel Hooks

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.

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There are photos in a message above date 15th Oct that gives the general idea.

It might be a UK thing.

I don’t seem to be able to upload photos on this site any more, so I’ll do my best to describe it (unless you have a private email address I can use instead. It’s 11inches in diameter, made from what looks like mahogany veneer, slightly scuffed from previous use (buckle rash?), and attached via six screws directly onto the underside of the banjo rim. I wouldn’t call it internal as such, but it sits flush against the rim and doesn’t project beyond the outer edge of the banjo pot assembly when fitted (so doesn't mean having to acquire a wider case to accommodate it).

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Originally posted by EEB

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Originally posted by Debbers

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.

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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/

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That is one confusing banjo.

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Originally posted by Jerry Hatrick

I don’t seem to be able to upload photos on this site any more, so I’ll do my best to describe it (unless you have a private email address I can use instead. It’s 11inches in diameter, made from what looks like mahogany veneer, slightly scuffed from previous use (buckle rash?), and attached via six screws directly onto the underside of the banjo rim. I wouldn’t call it internal as such, but it sits flush against the rim and doesn’t project beyond the outer edge of the banjo pot assembly when fitted (so doesn't mean having to acquire a wider case to accommodate it).

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Your images need to be jpeg format.  PNG will not work. 

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Originally posted by Jerry Hatrick

I don’t seem to be able to upload photos on this site any more, so I’ll do my best to describe it (unless you have a private email address I can use instead. It’s 11inches in diameter, made from what looks like mahogany veneer, slightly scuffed from previous use (buckle rash?), and attached via six screws directly onto the underside of the banjo rim. I wouldn’t call it internal as such, but it sits flush against the rim and doesn’t project beyond the outer edge of the banjo pot assembly when fitted (so doesn't mean having to acquire a wider case to accommodate it).

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Could you PM me? Photo needs to be a jpeg, I think.

Cheers, D

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Originally posted by Joel Hooks

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.

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An example of this internal metal disc/plate is fitted to this Crosby banjo. Scroll the photos to the back view to see it.

https://glensbritishbanjocollection.co.uk/collection/crosby-crosbie/model-3/
 

It's function is to reflect sound forwards so it is a form of resonator. I can confirm from playing this Crosby that it is effective. But different enough in size, appearance and fitting to be referred to using other terms. 

All stereo speakers use an internal baffle as a passive distributor.

However sterling silver and gold plated spoons are entirely adequate and also allow you to bend all Five strings anywhere in the music phrases as desired. Spoons are available at any local antique dealer. I have a friend who supplies me.

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Originally posted by Helix

All stereo speakers use an internal baffle as a passive distributor.

However sterling silver and gold plated spoons are entirely adequate and also allow you to bend all Five strings anywhere in the music phrases as desired. Spoons are available at any local antique dealer. I have a friend who supplies me.

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Oh wow! Thanks :)

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Originally posted by Helix

All stereo speakers use an internal baffle as a passive distributor.

However sterling silver and gold plated spoons are entirely adequate and also allow you to bend all Five strings anywhere in the music phrases as desired. Spoons are available at any local antique dealer. I have a friend who supplies me.

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That's an Arizona thing.  The Chinese thing is to use chopsticks, and the Aussie thing is to use stubby holders. 

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Originally posted by banjoak

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Originally posted by EEB

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Originally posted by Debbers

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.

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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/

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That is one confusing banjo.

 

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In what way is that banjo confusing? 

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Originally posted by EEB

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Originally posted by Debbers

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.

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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/

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I am very interested to know what the measurement is between the baffle and the head. I wouldn't be surprised if it needs to be a precise measurement. A little bit out and I can see some frequencies going out of phase easily. I suppose that could be controlled to some extent by adjusting the tension of the head. 

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Originally posted by martyjoe

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Originally posted by EEB

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Originally posted by Debbers

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.

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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/

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I am very interested to know what the measurement is between the baffle and the head. I wouldn't be surprised if it needs to be a precise measurement. A little bit out and I can see some frequencies going out of phase easily. I suppose that could be controlled to some extent by adjusting the tension of the head. 

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I had a good look over that banjo, though didn't measure the gap. It felt roughly 1/3". You're probably right about the distance from the head having an effect.