I need a new banjo head for my Gold Tone AC-5.
The gold tone specs say it comes with a low crown head, but most listings say low crowns are for arch tops, and medium crown works for most banjos. I’m seeing some other conflicting things when I google, so I’m just confused.
Any insight or real experience replacing the head on this banjo?
The AC5 isn't a typical design - and therefore, I wouldn't make any assumptions about what "normal" is as it relates to other banjos.
I suggest you contact GoldTone directly to check. They can no doubt sell you the specific head shipped with those banjos at a reasonable price. My (somewhat) limited experience in dealing with GoldTone tells me that their customer service folks are knowledgeable, courteous and prompt.
There is a significant amount of banjo head crown height information out there that is intended for Gibson banjos. All Gibson archtop banjos I have changed heads on require a low crown. That is not the case for others. For example, Paramount and Orpheum archtops need a medium or high crown.
I always recommend you measure the height of the tension hoop to determine the crown height for your new banjo head. I would expect the tension hoop to be 3/8" tall. For an AC-5, a low crown sounds correct.
I have plenty of low crown 11" banjo head options in stock.
Bob Smakula
smakulafrettedinstruments.com
Low crown heads are found on most banjos at the cheaper end of the market. I think you can trust the Goldtone listing that say LC (Low crown).
Thanks all. I’m fairly certain now it is low crown. Going to order a head from Bob Smakuka. Thanks!
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