DrumDial Drum Tuning Part 7 (Banjo Head Tuning) Advanced tuning Techniques 

By far the most comprehensive video on the proper way to get the best sound out of my banjo. I like to know why as well as how. Coming from a retired electronics technician, thanks so much for doing this right!! :-)

I have 10 banjos. DrumDial ordered! Great video I found by chance.

Thanks for this highly technical explanation of head tuning. The final demonstration with the spectrum analyzer did it for me. I've used them in Satellite communications work. Proof positive the head is in tune with itself. I'm ordering a Drumdial TODAY!

I tune my Banjo head down a Half Step to G flat because I use Open G flat Tuning which is a Half step below Open G. The reason for that is to make the high notes less of a strain on my voice.

FANTASTIC VIDEO!!! i will do this to my Banjo!!

Sounds great 👍

Like this a lot

DRUM DIAL BANJO SETTINGS: My recommendations are for plectrum banjos only using Remo cloudy heads. For a flattop and archtop banjos with 11 inch head the drum dial setting is 87 (flatop) and 89(archtop). Note archtop banjos generally need a tighter tension than flat top . Tuning: Tighten, or loosen each hook working on opposing hooks all the way around the banjo. Do not work around the head in order, you will never get the numbers to be the same. Tighten hook 1, then 13, then 2, then 14, then 3, then 15, etc. until you have the same number all the way around.

The Banjo head is meant to be tuned to a G3 which is a G below Middle C.

I play about 5 different banjo from an inexpensive Recording King RB to an 1894 Fairbanks electric. The settings and methods you illustrate seem to those favored by bluegrass banjoist at least since the 1950s. Are there variation of other types of banjoist, I

What are your thoughts on using the drum dial to tune the head BEFORE the strings & bridge are in place ?

Drum dial on a non-resonator banjo 12" 'Renaissance' head - 92 works. Don't know if the extra tension is due to larger head - compared to standard 11" banjo heads.

Is the 89 reading good for all types and diameter Banjos? Mine is open-back type Banjo with 11” diameter drum and extra long neck (Gold Tone OT-800 LN model)

DrumDial This will apply to a Banjitar. I have a Kora which is an African Harp Banjo.

What is normal for a Banjo head Tuning with a Drum Dial

What was the name of the song played at the end?