Forum - Banjo Ben Clark

Banjo Tones?

#1

Hey Banjo Pickers, I would love your advice. I’ve been playing a Deering Goodtime Special for a number of years. It plays well, and is loud, but the tone seems very bright. I’ve heard other banjos (most recently a Deering Deluxe) that seem to have a sound that is less bright, more “old-timey” (kind of a muted sound, I don’t know how else to describe it). I love that sound.

My first question is: (1) Is this difference only in my head? (2) If there really is a difference, are there reasons to prefer one tone to another? And (3) is there a way to get that sound out of Goodtime Special, or would I have to buy a new banjo?

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#2

I am no expert on banjo setups. That said I know from experimentation that a Remo Fibreskyn Head has a more old-timey sound where as a Clear Head and reverse side Smooth Frosted Head has a brighter tone than a regular Frosted Head. Head tension also changes the tone of a banjo.

Maybe you should have a chat with @Jake at the General Store he should be able to answer all your questions on banjo setups.

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#3

The difference isn’t in your head, different banjos can have very different tones. The Goodtime banjos are solid but they’re entry level instruments. As far as reasons to prefer certain tones over others, there are several. Of course the most important one is personal preference and what you like. And then some tones suit certain music better than others. Typically a Mastertone style banjo with a tight head tension works very well for bright sounding, traditional bluegrass. If you want a darker tone you could get something like a Nechville or a Hawthorne top tension, those can sound bright but work very well for darker, more modern sounding music. The same is true for Mastertone banjos, you can get a darker sound from them depending on your setup. You described the sound you’re looking for as “old timey”, I’m not sure what kind of music you play but most old time clawhammer players use an open back banjo.

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#4

You are limited, but you can try several tweaks with your Goodtime. You can simply reduce the tension on your banjo head—less tension gives warmer tones. You can also use a heavier bridge (talk with the general store folks to ensure you get the right height, spacing, and extra mass). Nechville banjos often sound warmer because Tom Nechville likes to supply heavier bridges. And you can replace your banjo head with one that is more mellow (as Archie mentioned)—a natural goatskin head works, but are a bit pricier. But ultimately your banjo will have a sweet spot, and it may not be in the mellow range. Sometimes the tweaking makes a given banjo muddy sounding rather than mellow. Good luck with the pursuit. I’ve been down that rabbit hole with mine and it’s at least interesting.

#5

Hey Doc, I know what you’re describing and no, the Goodtime won’t get it. The sound you’re describing results from a tone ring and more/better wood in the rim and neck. When you use the word “bright”, I think you mean thin. The “muted old-timey” sound is a growl and thickness that Goodtimes can’t provide…and they’re not meant to, with their construction and price point goals.

When you do get into banjos with more wood & a tone ring, there is a wide spectrum of sounds that can also be varied by setup and components, but in general they have much more versatility than a Goodtime because the foundation is broader. As @JKL said, you can adjust the Goodtime, but it won’t give you what you’re looking for.

Goodtimes are incredible for the money, but they’ll never have the tone of better banjos because they can’t.

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#6

I beg to differ @Mason_Crone All the experiments I’ve carried out were on the same banjo my trusty old Fender FB 58. Different heads produced different tones.

I can’t speak for Deering Banjos I have never owned one. But I have heard a few people play a “Goodtime” All I’ll say is the sound they make never impressed me much.

#7

@nschlueter meant head as in noggin :wink:

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#8

Wow, seriously helpful advice here. What an impressive group! Thank you so much everyone. Sounds like the difference is partly in my head (pardon the pun). But tweaking the Goodtime is not going to get me what I’m looking for. But then what kind of banjo will? Anything for less than $2,000? Would love some recs!

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#9

That is why a Gold Pick Membership is highly treasured. Now go tell all your friends what a great teacher @BanjoBen is.

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#10

The Recording King Madison banjos are great and also the elite series, they’re all under $2K

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#11

Thank you, Mason! You’ve noticed that warmer sound in these?

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#12

I’m not exactly sure what you mean by a warmer sound, but they are good quality banjos that you can set up to your taste

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#13

Thank you again, Mason. Sounds like I’m going to have to save up for a Recording King Elite or a Gold Tone Twanger!

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#14

I tell this to everyone I know! BB is the best. So grateful for what he has done.

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