Cork?

[Joel Hooks]

I've read of a "cork" placed between the dowel rod and head (perch and vellum?) but I've not seen it in action.

Is this just a wine bottle cork cut down length wise and shoved like a violin sound post?

Please explain.

[Mike Moss]

Yes, it is a wine bottle cork, cut down to size. The trick is for it not to press too much on the vellum, just enough to act as an interference between the two feet of the bridge. This cork is often tied to a piece of string attached to the perch pole for convenience.

[Jody Stecher]

It's the opposite of a violin sound post, whose function is to increase sonority.

It's a variation of the various things I've seen used to reduce vibration, usually to good effect, but only because the banjo is improperly set up and sounds godawful echoey.  I've seen a cork, a pair of socks, a diaper, a washcloth, and a dozen other things (only one per banjo). The best and funniest was a tiny teddy bear. 

Sometimes the cork doesn't need cutting down. It could be from (or for) any sort of bottle. And it can be placed anywhere along the dowel/perch pole. Each spot will produce a slightly different effect. 

[Joel Hooks]

OK, so it is the same as "stuffing."  I understood the concept and the effect (as it is described) it was the mechanics that puzzled me.

Thanks guys!

[Jody Stecher]

Mechanically it is the same as stuffing but I think the intention is different. In the case of cork and the old days I think it was for creating a "special effect". In the case of Revival Old Time banjo it is a reflexive step that seems to say "Fix it if it ain't broke". 

Joel Hooks said:

OK, so it is the same as "stuffing."  I understood the concept and the effect (as it is described) it was the mechanics that puzzled me.

Thanks guys!

[Trapdoor2]

Just think, take a cork and drill a hole thru it lengthwise. Cut it in half the other wise. Install a T-nut into one half and bond a bolt in the other. Screw it together and cut it undersize (to fit between the perch pole and vellum).

Now you have an adjustable cork.

"Smith's Fabulous Tone Cork".

Famous on three continents and parts of Africa.

Astound your friends and promote family values.

Gleaned from the finest vintages.

Compatible with banjos of all types.*

Available in Metric, Standard and Whitworth.

*not for Zither-Banjos

[Joel Hooks]

OMG!  I'm a gonna try it.

I cut a hole in the back of my zitherene banjo and installed a drain plug for when I play it in a rain storm. Sometimes it would fill up with water and my strings would rust.

I may be able to remove the plug and install a cork.

[Jody Stecher]

Reminds me of how as teenagers my friends and I conspired to fill a certain Very Loud banjo player's resonator and pot with chocolate pudding. We considered jello as an alternative but decided it was too tidy.

Joel Hooks said:

OMG!  I'm a gonna try it.

I cut a hole in the back of my zitherene banjo and installed a drain plug for when I play it in a rain storm. Sometimes it would fill up with water and my strings would rust.

I may be able to remove the plug and install a cork.

[Trapdoor2]

Some of those things came with a drain plug factory installed. I don't think it was for rainwater though, probably for draining out spilled beer. Banjoists are usually sloppy drunks.
 
Joel Hooks said:

OMG!  I'm a gonna try it.

I cut a hole in the back of my zitherene banjo and installed a drain plug for when I play it in a rain storm. Sometimes it would fill up with water and my strings would rust.

I may be able to remove the plug and install a cork.

[Joel Hooks]

Nothing will rust strings like tepid beer. That is why banjoists should drink ice cold Budweiser!

[Steve Harrison]

I prefer my home brewed ale..the only problem is that after 3 bottles my fingers and eyes don't seem to work very well but whatever I play always sounds fantastic.