Comment by marc dalmasso on June 26, 2011 at 15:18

i think the sound is too brilliant ... yet i took off the reso

the banjo ? the head ? the bridge ? the Savarez strings ? the guy ?

Comment by thereallyniceman on June 26, 2011 at 16:57

Hi Marc, Yes it is very bright. Mine was far too 'thin' when fitted with a frosted Remo head, but when I fitted a Renaissance head and it sounded much more mellow. Perhaps a thicker calfskin may help?

That is a great tune. I have always liked the part with the bell like harmonics. I must have a go at playing it sometime.

Comment by Trapdoor2 on June 26, 2011 at 19:01

First I would try to take some of the tension off of the head. Next I would try a thicker head...preferring calfskin. Fiberskyn has worked well for me to mellow out the sound while negating the disadvantages of natural skin. I have only tried one "Renaissance" head (on a clawhammer banjo) and thought it was too bright. Of course, I prefer a good bit of 'thud' to my banjos anyway... ;-)

Comment by SWCooper on June 27, 2011 at 15:55

Where are you getting calfskin for heads in the UK? I think my zither banjo will survive a re-stretching, but I have a lovely little Bay State banjo that I rendered essentially unplayable by replacing the busted vellum head with a Remo.

 

The rim on the Remo head is about twice as thick as the original flesh hoop. That makes the head sit too high, so the action is terrible and the strings hit the rim above the 10th fret.

Comment by David Wade on June 28, 2011 at 6:02

First place to start is Clifford Essex Music : http://www.cliffordessexmusicco.com/  have a word Clem, failing that Chris sands is your man. 

Comment by SWCooper on June 28, 2011 at 11:13

I bought some strings from Clifford Essex last week. They have a category for Vellums & Skins, but zero products listed there at the moment.

Comment by David Wade on June 29, 2011 at 9:49

Ar, have a word with the Gaffer Clem - give him a buzz.

Comment by SWCooper on June 29, 2011 at 12:49

Actually, I broke down and put in an order with Elderly instruments in the States. I bought a bridge, a thumbpick and a calfskin and it just squeaked in under the £18 limit that'll trigger Customs charges. Of course, with the £6 shipping, it's just over £18 -- so I might have been too clever for my own good there. That's the proverbial slow boat, so we'll see how long it takes and whether this is a good way to go about it.

Comment by thereallyniceman on June 29, 2011 at 21:58

Hey Ladies and Gentlemen,

Marc produced this great video and the thread drifts off to where is the best place to buy things. Let's congratulate Marc for a great piece and a great performance. 

It may be better to start a new thread if you need information please. Sarah, are you sure you fitted the correct crown height of Renaissance head? You may need the high crown head if it sits too high.

Keep them coming Marc, and get a thicker head on that banjo :-)

 

Ian

Comment by marc dalmasso on June 30, 2011 at 7:22

NOT a great performance at all but a great piece YES because it ' s a lovely tune and the learners can easily play it . 1st & third parts are built on the basic chords positions C / G / Dm / F .

I should say it ' s a good piece to start like Sunflower dance or banjo oddity for instance

( for other details , my Bj is fitted with a renaissance head )

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