Deering Tech: How To Tighten Your Banjo Head

[@alexhickey5633]

Just did this on my clareen special, tenor banjo. The sound difference is unbelievable. Surprised more folks dont upload videos about this because really it changes a banjo. Many thanks for this video!

[@aidanvansuetendael4948]

had no idea how badly loosened my banjo head was till i fixed it. thanks for the video

[@DeeringBanjoCo]

+Aidan VanSuetendael You are very welcome!

[@TapRoot67]

Have to admit that I was nervous to attempt this adjustment myself, based on the cautions in the manual (very well-written BTW), especially since this is a pricey Kavanjo head on my Sierra II. I followed Chad's instructions, and it restored that great 'snap' and twang. Finding I prefer a little lower than 1/8" height, and nearly flat relief. Thanks Chad and Deering; you guys are great..!!

[@matteusmag]

Thank you. This was the most helpful video I have seen on the matter.

[@adamp3223]

great video. Everyone's music tech should sound like an early George Carlin character.

[@the_original_Bilb_Ono]

as a south-west Virginian born and raised musician.... i feel like this dude is no doubt related to me Lol. you dont want to get banjo info from a dude who sounds like hes a yankee Lol. i like this guy, he knows his stuff and hes not all flashy and in your face. very laid back and modest.

[@rodrigoroger8168]

InstaBlaster.

[@SkremoMcThrftsto]

I'm assuming the order of operations for adjustments is important. The order that makes sense to me would be: 1. Tighten the head. 2. Adjust the truss rod. 3. Adjust the coordinator rod. Is that correct? Am I missing anything? Also, is it important to be in tune before making each adjustment?

[@bretwelstead3670]

I would imagine tightening clockwise around the drum like that will cause an uneven pull on the head, wouldn't it? I know with snare drums, you use a star pattern, tightening opposite bolts consecutively to keep the head centered. I'd think something similar for banjo would work, right? If you number the bolts 1-16, tighten in this order: 1, 9, 5, 13, 2, 10, 6, 14, 3, 11, 7, 15, 4, 12, 8, 16.

[@esond]

I also think that doing it in a criss-cross, star pattern, like a snare drum, would be ideal as well, if only for the health of the instrument. That said, it seems like “tuning” your banjo head is of less import than tuning a snare drum. If the QC guy at Deering is saying that going by feel is fine, I imagine we can feel okay if we don’t spend ages dialling in all those lugs like we would on a snare drum.

[@andrealopomo8240]

Sound difference: Before 1:47 After 4:05

[@danielbergstrom4080]

Thank you!

[@josephcaloger366]

I wanted to hear the difference back to back. You made it easy. Thanks

[@gerrymakem3677]

Does the tailpiece need to be tightened back down to the tension hoop again .Thanks for the helpful advice.

[@zeppy13131]

I understand you can also tighten a head according to the note it makes when you tap it (while muting the strings). When you first tap the head here, before you tighten it, I hear an F#. After tightening, I hear a G. Is that really all it takes, a half-step change? I thought it'd be more than that.

[@steveallerton9124]

I had sort of a double-tone issue, and this fixed it!

[@MrMudd512]

Thanks for the video. What if my banjo has a fretboard scoop? I have a Classic Goodtime and need to tighten the head but the "last" two frets are several inches up from the one in the video. Seems like the distance would need to be shorter than an 8th inch, am I wrong?

[@DeeringBanjoCo]

Hi Eric. When there is a scoop, we measure 1/8" from the surface of the fingerboard at the 17th (last available) fret.

[@JeffDaytonMusic]

Thanks! My B6 sounds great now thanks to you.

[@juliomelo398]

This man is a genius

[@kevinj2525]

Just wanted to mention that the string height measurement is only valid IF the bridge is the right height to start with.

[@jenb7756]

Was that size wrench used on the older Good time models as well? I'm not sure when mine was built but it has the older multi-ply ring

[@DeeringBanjoCo]

Hi Jennifer, without measuring it, it is hard to say as the specs did change. However, it is most likely 1/4” or the 9/32” (which is the current spec). If you need a tool, this wrench has both options. www.deeringbanjos.com/products/hall-3-way-bracket-wrench

[@jenb7756]

awesome! thanks

[@DeeringBanjoCo]

You are so welcome. :-)

[@danr308]

If anyone sees this... If both tightening the head and adjusting the coordinator rod both adjust the string height, how do I know which to do? Just based on head tone?

[@DeeringBanjoCo]

Yes. It is important to get your head tone correct first. Then adjust the coordinator rod as needed.

[@annaghclodagh]

Very nicely explained

[@perrybucsdad]

For the life of me, I cannot find a 9/32 wrench for my Goodtime Americana... can I just use a socket set and go easy? For some reason, it seems covid has killed off all the 9/32" wrenches. We need to have a remembrance service for them all. :)

[@joshallenimages]

Thanks!!

[@kidsundance3970]

Thank you

[@mid-ohioguardian6927]

Drum Dial set at 91

[@b0bbytrucktricks]

POW!

[@DeeringBanjoCo]

+SecondTo Nunn Kaboom!

[@Flip2Flower1]

I did this and my bridge shot like a bullet and put my neighbors kids eye out. But it’s ok, I didn’t like him anyway

[@bubbaschroeder8943]

Instead of assuming user error, which it seems like you get a hard one from saying, realize every piece of metal is different and every bolt, nut, etc ...is also different. As well your taste apparently. During a "lifetime" of working on banjos I'm sure you find it's the users fault in most cases, however you sound arrogant. I don't believe I would let you or anyone your associated tune mine.

[@DeeringBanjoCo]

Hi, thanks for your comment. I will admit I was surprised to read it. Watched the video back and I can't find an area where Chad talks about user error at all. Can you elaborate on what you are referring to? Apologies if we have given the wrong impression somewhere...but I would like to try and find out where this is being communicated to you. I don't think it is this video. Thanks. Jamie L

[@robkunkel8833]

That was a difficult comment to understand. Thanks. I thought it would be a star pattern too. Quarter turn clockwise is all it is! That's easy. ⛩🎶🌴

[@chicksgrowtoo]

@bubbaschroeder8943 are you high on something, from NYC, or just always mean like this? Tell us where he touched you to hurt you… 🤡 Go troll somewhere else please. 🤡

[@Themheals]

That Zelensky is a talented guy. Now he is a banjo slinger at Deering.