There are a few ways to figure out what size head your banjo needs. Sometimes it is very easy,
and other times it is not so obvious. We have included all of the information and knowledge that
we can offer in this section. Ultimately, it is up to you, the customer, to order the correct head,
so please, read this section carefully.
and other times it is not so obvious. We have included all of the information and knowledge that
we can offer in this section. Ultimately, it is up to you, the customer, to order the correct head,
so please, read this section carefully.
Identifying the Old Head
If you have the old head, and it is plastic, then the coding might be on the aluminum channel. If you find text or numbers on the aluminum, here's what to look for:
BJ - this means it is a Banjo Head.
4 or 5 numbers in a row. It would look something like 1100, 1012, 12000, etc. This is the diameter. the first two numbers are the inches, and the following 2 numbers are 16ths of an inch. If the total number is 5 digits, this most likely means it is a custom or specialty head. The first two numbers are still inches. The following 3 numbers are thousandths of an inch.
The letter L, M, or H. This indicates the crown height. L = low, M = medium, and H = heigh.
On custom heads, you will likely not see this part.
The number 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or the letter B. This indicates the film type.
1 = Top Frosted. 2 = Bottom Frosted. 3 = Clear. 4 = Cloudy. 5 = Fiberskyn. 6 = Renaissance. B = Black Suede.
On custom and white suede heads you will not see this part.
Here's an example of a full code: BJ - 1015 H5
This code means: Banjo Head, 10 & 15/16" High Crown, Fiberskyn
Here's another example: BJ - 12500
This code means: Banjo Head, 12 & 500 thousandths of an inch (12 and a half inches)
Any other coding on the aluminum is not important for identifying the head. Other numbers include batch number, order number, etc.
If your old head does not have any coding, proceed to the next options for identification.
BJ - this means it is a Banjo Head.
4 or 5 numbers in a row. It would look something like 1100, 1012, 12000, etc. This is the diameter. the first two numbers are the inches, and the following 2 numbers are 16ths of an inch. If the total number is 5 digits, this most likely means it is a custom or specialty head. The first two numbers are still inches. The following 3 numbers are thousandths of an inch.
The letter L, M, or H. This indicates the crown height. L = low, M = medium, and H = heigh.
On custom heads, you will likely not see this part.
The number 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or the letter B. This indicates the film type.
1 = Top Frosted. 2 = Bottom Frosted. 3 = Clear. 4 = Cloudy. 5 = Fiberskyn. 6 = Renaissance. B = Black Suede.
On custom and white suede heads you will not see this part.
Here's an example of a full code: BJ - 1015 H5
This code means: Banjo Head, 10 & 15/16" High Crown, Fiberskyn
Here's another example: BJ - 12500
This code means: Banjo Head, 12 & 500 thousandths of an inch (12 and a half inches)
Any other coding on the aluminum is not important for identifying the head. Other numbers include batch number, order number, etc.
If your old head does not have any coding, proceed to the next options for identification.
Instructions for Measuring
1. Obtain a measuring tool that displays inches (ruler, tape measure, etc).
2. Lay the banjo down, head facing up, on a flat surface (cleared table, floor, etc).
or
Place the tension hoop on a flat surface.
3. Measure from the inside of the tension hoop to the other inside of the tension
hoop. The tension hoop is the metal band that goes on top of the outside of the
head. Use the closest 16th of an inch when reading the measuring tool.
Ex: 10" 10 & 1/16" 10 & 2/16 (1/8)" etc.
4. Measure at least 2 more times in different spots on the tension hoop.
Sometimes, older banjos are not perfectly round and will have slightly different
measurements. If this is the case, average your measurements. If your
measurements have a difference of 1/4" or greater, you will likely NOT be able to
use a plastic head, because the plastic heads do not bend side to side very
much.
5. Measure the height of the tension hoop to find your Crown Height.
If there is a cut-out (lowered section where the neck meets the hoop) then
measure the height of that section.
3/8" = Low Crown
7/16" = Medium Crown
1/2" = High Crown
6. To figure out the film type, use the picture at the top of the Banjo Heads page. If
you banjo head is white, here are some differences between the 3 white banjo
head options:
Rough on the top, smooth underneath = top frosted
Rough underneath, smooth on top = bottom frosted
Smooth like paper on top and underneath = white suede
2. Lay the banjo down, head facing up, on a flat surface (cleared table, floor, etc).
or
Place the tension hoop on a flat surface.
3. Measure from the inside of the tension hoop to the other inside of the tension
hoop. The tension hoop is the metal band that goes on top of the outside of the
head. Use the closest 16th of an inch when reading the measuring tool.
Ex: 10" 10 & 1/16" 10 & 2/16 (1/8)" etc.
4. Measure at least 2 more times in different spots on the tension hoop.
Sometimes, older banjos are not perfectly round and will have slightly different
measurements. If this is the case, average your measurements. If your
measurements have a difference of 1/4" or greater, you will likely NOT be able to
use a plastic head, because the plastic heads do not bend side to side very
much.
5. Measure the height of the tension hoop to find your Crown Height.
If there is a cut-out (lowered section where the neck meets the hoop) then
measure the height of that section.
3/8" = Low Crown
7/16" = Medium Crown
1/2" = High Crown
6. To figure out the film type, use the picture at the top of the Banjo Heads page. If
you banjo head is white, here are some differences between the 3 white banjo
head options:
Rough on the top, smooth underneath = top frosted
Rough underneath, smooth on top = bottom frosted
Smooth like paper on top and underneath = white suede
Banjos with usually consistent sizes*
If your banjo is on this list, *please measure to double check.
Sometimes, even the banjos on this list have slight variations
due to warping or manufacturing inconsistencies.
If you do not see your banjo on this list, then you need to measure it
(instructions above).
Sometimes, even the banjos on this list have slight variations
due to warping or manufacturing inconsistencies.
If you do not see your banjo on this list, then you need to measure it
(instructions above).
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Ordering a Banjo Head
Once you have determined the size of the banjo head needed, you can head over to the Banjo Heads page to browse through our selection.
If you see the size you need, but it is out of stock, that means it is either already on order, or we will be ordering it again soon. You may contact us to find out when the heads will be restocked. Please be aware that Remo banjo heads production no longer has a consistent production timeline post-pandemic, so we may not be able to give you a very accurate date.
If you do not see the size that you need, that means we do not offer that size. You will either have to use a skin head, or order a custom head. HOWEVER, please be aware that custom heads are very expensive and take up to 1 year to process at Remo.
Installing a skin head
If you have determined that you cannot use a plastic head, or you simply want to use a skin head, follow the instructions and video below to successfully mount a calf or goat skin head.
Items needed:
A skin head (goat or calf): 3 - 4 inches larger than the diameter of the banjo rim. Ex: 11" rim needs a 14" or 15" skin.
A flesh hoop: needs to be ever so slightly larger than the diameter of the banjo rim.
Shrink tube, tape, or other binding material: to connect the two ends of the flesh hoop.
Water: to soak the head
Pliers: to pull the skin tight
Full banjo rim assembly: banjo pot/rim, tension hoop, shoes, hooks and nuts, tone ring (if applicable)
Bracket wrench: to keep the head pulled down evenly and to tune it when it's dry.
Scissors: for trimming the excess skin after it has dried.
Suggested video for installation: https://youtu.be/cTL64iUxfKY
A skin head (goat or calf): 3 - 4 inches larger than the diameter of the banjo rim. Ex: 11" rim needs a 14" or 15" skin.
A flesh hoop: needs to be ever so slightly larger than the diameter of the banjo rim.
Shrink tube, tape, or other binding material: to connect the two ends of the flesh hoop.
Water: to soak the head
Pliers: to pull the skin tight
Full banjo rim assembly: banjo pot/rim, tension hoop, shoes, hooks and nuts, tone ring (if applicable)
Bracket wrench: to keep the head pulled down evenly and to tune it when it's dry.
Scissors: for trimming the excess skin after it has dried.
Suggested video for installation: https://youtu.be/cTL64iUxfKY
Smakula Fretted Instruments
|
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phone |
304-636-6710
(land line) 9:00am - 6:00pm |
address |
PO Box 882
Elkins, WV 26241 For the shop address, call or schedule an appointment |