How To Change a Banjo Head | Elderly Instruments Repair Shop

[@clawhammer704]

Iv got my grandfathers old Gibson banjo. It has a old skin head on it and a wired light bulb attached to it inside the pot to keep the head tight during damp weather. That was before these plastic heads came out around 1959. I'm 62 years old now and I guess I'll leave it to my son. He getting old enough to appreciate it being in the family.

[@drscruggs9830]

Today I had made up my mind that after 42 years I will put a new head on my RB100...plus clean and adjust it. Thank you for the great instruction video as I had forgot the procedure.

[@danhawkins7060]

Scott, really good job! I have a 70's Alvarez with a clear head that I am wanting to replace. The tools you used especially the Drum Dial take all of the guess work out of it.

[@violetshamrock]

I just bought a Drum dial. fun to be able to see the measurements .

[@mccypr]

Great stuff! Thanks! 😎✌️🌞🎻🪕

[@Gerkozielman]

Thanks for the explanation!

[@perrybucsdad]

A couple of questions... on loosening the banjo head, after you went around the first time and took most of the pressure off, could you use a cordless drill with a bit to loosen it all? I know you would never want to do that when putting it back together though. For the drum conditioner that you put on, what is it made of?

[@OUTDOORSWITHDOMINGO]

Thanks for the free Info !

[@elijahdonovan1994]

Great video

[@tripod13mc]

Very informative, thank you!

[@bennetttmg]

when should you change the banjo head besides when it is physically damaged like torn or other?

[@kiivje]

How high is the string action?

[@chickengnawer]

So 92 is the Standard even for an Archtop?

[@gutbucket260]

Some people tap tune to G# or A. My banjo loses tone at 92. I tighten to around 89-90 and it really opens up. Tighter then that starts killing the tone. Every banjo is a little different. I also lower the tailpiece to about 1/4" above the head. Archtops seem to like a tighter head to get that Ralph Stanley tone. But you can ease off the tightness and get a flathead tone, too.

[@violetshamrock]

@@gutbucket260 helpful info!

[@fewhite5126]

If you're going to feature a banjo, that's the one!

[@cockers6682]

Tune head to a G sharp job done