Improve a cheap banjo for clawhammer - Gold Tone Cripple Creek 50

Here are some ideas for adapting a cheap banjo for clawhammer. I use the word improve, but actually it's adapted to get the sound I want. You might take another approach.
Better is always attainable no matter how crappy your banjo.

[@johnschneider4160]

Thanks, James! Input from all sources are helpful for everyone.👍

[@davidcudlip6587]

Did you try one of John Balch's goat skin heads? I think he can make what ever crown height your banjo requires.

[@jeetray11]

Great Job. The banjo actually looks awesome for 200 euros. I have the plastic body Gold Tone AC-1 199$. Crazy good for the money.

[@ctsfiddler]

I use my AC-1 more than my Gold Tone CC-100, love the tone.

[@SharekGadd]

I’ve got one of those headed my way. I ordered it to beat around on the porch this summer as my gourd banjo is “not happy” with Indiana humidity. I’ll most likely do similar mods to try and get that gourd sound. Being a woodworker, I may mill the fretboard and make it a fretless.

[@rogerletsom2127]

I just came across your video and was very impressed by what you did to your banjo. I have a Savanna SB104 which was given to me by a friend. I assume I could possibly do something similar to this banjo.

[@jamespeterson5188]

I'm sure you can. If it's a cheap banjo, it's always worth messing around and seeing what you can do. It's a good learning experience. That said, you can only improve it to a certain extent. After I bought a better banjo, I hardly ever play my old gold-tone anymore.

[@alanwann9318]

A little blue tack to dampen the 5th str.A deeper string slot (bridge 5th str).Was a happy accident.diadario nicol or bronze strings.a smile bridge/or custom bridge £.

[@jakejhertz]

Thank you for this video! I am looking to do the same thing to mine. Would you mind sharing the specifications for the bridge that you sent to Donald New for this banjo? I'd like the action to be high enough to strum near the neck like you do.

[@jamespeterson5188]

Thanks! The bridge isn't the biggest issue for getting your action higher, but it helps. Mine is just under 2cm tall. You can also adjust the truss rod to get the action higher. Don't do any work on an instrument that you aren't prepared to fail at!

[@rkmikesell]

Hey James this was helpful as I’ve recently pulled the same banjo out of the closet and am teaching myself clawhammer. I have the bridge coming and would like to change the tailpiece. What is the make or brand on the one you purchased and from what company.I will change the head as well I’ve not done that before and I assume they are matched by size.Great playing bye the way hope you respond as this looks like an older video. I am using nylegut strings and even without the changes they sound good. Can’t wait to make it sound even better. Thanx

[@jamespeterson5188]

No problem. Just remember that "better" is a subjective term. You might find that you don't like certain changes, but it's worth it to try and explore what sound you prefer. I've since gotten a fretless banjo, so I don't play this one so much anymore. I'm not sure about the brand of the tailpiece, just that it's called a "no-knot" tailpiece.

[@rkmikesell]

Your strap looks pretty practical did you make it or purchase it?

[@jamespeterson5188]

It's just a strip of leather. You just slip it through the brackets where you want it and tie a knot so it doesn't come back out. I have an even thinner strip on a banjo that is much heavier and used it for a guitar strap, too. I also use tie them to the scroll on my fiddles to hang them on the wall. The main advantage of them is that you never have to take it on or off to fit in any case. The disadvantage is that it can be uncomfortable if you play standing up for more than an hour.

[@davidcudlip6587]

"Last Chance" ?

[@jamespeterson5188]

yes

[@davidcudlip6587]

@@jamespeterson5188 Do I win something ?