Banjo head tension and maintenance

[@chrisstorozhenko6579]

I am a little confused as to how to tell when the head is at the correct tension.

[@bigal25938]

Loosen the strings some before tightening the head?

[@beansproutmusicalinstruments]

I don’t, but I can’t see that it would be a problem.

[@paulbcote]

Thanks. I have a question! In the summer when it is humid, my goat-skinhead sags and I have to tighten it. But I never remember to loosen it in the winter when it is very dry inside my heated house. So does this mean that after a couple of cycles of this, the head is going to rip for being over-tightened? Do you loosen your banjo heads in the winter? I'd love to see a tutorial about custom-stretching a sheet of mylar or kevlar for a banjo-uke head. Thank you for the nice video.

[@ackeim]

Yes, I sometimes loosen them in winter. But, I don’t think I’ve ever had one break when winter comes . Maybe I don’t put them through the extreme climate swings that other folks do. I have no experience hand stretching mylar or Kevlar for a head. Seems like a lot of hassle when you can just get a synthetic head pre made.

[@jimmyc5498]

I bought a Gold Tone AC6+, action was too high for me, over 1/8 at 12 th fret. I adjusted coordinator rod for more neck angle (neck was straight). The head is indented at bridge but sounds ok. If I loosen head, raises action back up right?

[@keithdaniel5453]

I just inherited a banjo just like this but with chrome bands. The instrument is over 100 years old but has no identifying marks. Needs new strings and I would like to know if it is just a common make or one that has more than sentimental value. Can anyone help please.

[@beansproutmusicalinstruments]

Send me some pics- [e-mail]

[@debbiewills1298]

how do you know when you have tightenened it equally

[@beansproutmusicalinstruments]

I feel the tension of each hook. By feel I can get close.

[@thatskysylvos]

Hello! What is that tool called that you use to tighten it with?? Can we get these at any home hardware store? or music store?

[@ackeim]

Sylvia C they are called banjo wrenches or hex wrenches. You can get them at stewmac.com

[@jimmyc5498]

Sorry meant to say tighten head raises action

[@riteshshukla2583]

Thank you!

[@PoulHansenDK]

Isn't there a torque value to go for, I have a torque wrench for my carbon bike anyway.