Since I have these banjos on the bench I will show you exactly what the differences are- arch top banjo tone ring, the flat top banjo tone ring and traditional banjo construction!
The "dead air space" that is connected to the main chamber by holes is functioning as a Helmholtz resonator, which is a low pass filter. This widespread principle is much used in exhaust mufflers.
Thank you for this fantastic video. You’ve just taught me everything I wanted to know about the different styles of banjo. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us!
The 5-string banjo preceded the 4-string, not the other way round. Traditionally, the banjo had 5 strings. When jazz bands started using the banjo they removed the drone string. Eventually 4-string banjos were made, mainly for jazz.
Thank you for taking your time putting this video out.. I have a old Framus 6 string 1969 ( I know I am a guitar player) I am changing the head, it still has the original head that is 54 years old on it..
Thanks for the comment. Guitar banjos are still banjos, just a different way to play it. I had to take time off but will be back to making more videos soon!
man I've really been enjoying your banjo videos, I played banjo 30+ years and had to quit 30 years ago because of my hand problems. Jeoff Stelling has made pots from small blocks glued together as you mentioned in a video instead of laminated rock maple. anyways this video inspired me to comment as I will be converting a very old Gibson rb250 arch top to a flat head in the not too distant future. right now I'm just trying to get back into making videos and I'm sure you know what an experience that alone is to keep going. thanks for your work and happy holidays. I hope you are well!
Excellent breakdown! Thanks! I'm trying to figure out how to upgrade an EB-98 banjo. Turns out the inside diameter of the rim that I bought is wider than my flat head tone ring so there will be some over hang inside instead of sitting flat on top. Trying to decide if I should go ahead and router it for that tone ring anyway and see how it sounds or try a different tone ring.
Hi great video! Ive been building guitars and CBGs. In the Great Guitar Build Off at the moment. I’m itching to make a 5 string banjo and (mainly because its seems more simple) i want to make a wooden top banjo. Should i have a back or leave it backless? Or maybe make some sort of resonator? What do you think will give me the closest sound to a Skin top banjo?
Hello! You mentioned that you usually tune your open back banjo heads to a lower pitch for a plunkier sound - I am learning clawhammer at the moment, and the only instrument I have available to me is an Iida resonator. Would I be able to pitch my head down to tone down some of the more reso characteristics until I get a more suitable instrument? Also, what pitch do you recommend for open back heads? Thanks in advance!
the answer is yes, generally open backs tune around G flat or G, sometimes even lower than that. I hope this helps I don't mean to be stepping on anyones toes just offering help.
