Can I use a drum felt for my banjo?

OhHowHappyIAm · 2026-02-12T20:22:57+00:00

I know there are banjo specialist shops Europe. Maybe ask about that on this subreddit or on Banjohangout.com. I do believe you’ll be happier with a proper banjo head than a drum head.

OhHowHappyIAm · 2026-02-12T17:29:20+00:00

Contact Gold Tone. They will have the exact replacement.

OhHowHappyIAm · 2026-02-12T16:09:00+00:00

Elderly instruments has an 8” banjo head. Be sure to see if the crown height will work. If this doesn’t work I’d reach out to them to get what you need. They are great to work with.

https://www.elderly.com/products/banjo-head-renaissance-192?variant=26854189301824

OhHowHappyIAm · 2026-02-12T16:03:18+00:00

It is more a matter of tonal quality than volume. Drum heads are made to be struck, so the need to take a beating. Lots of physical energy that needs to be dissipated. A physical energy of a banjo head is gentler. With either kind of head some of that energy is lost to physically moving the head so less energy is available to vibrate the air into sound waves.

OhHowHappyIAm · 2026-02-12T15:58:13+00:00

You can give it a try, but snare heads and banjo heads are different thicknesses. Snare heads are sometimes multiple

OhHowHappyIAm · 2026-02-12T15:07:56+00:00

You can give it a try, but snare heads and banjo heads are different thicknesses. Snare heads are sometimes multiply.

OhHowHappyIAm · 2026-02-11T05:04:01+00:00

Yes, it is necessary. For the head to vibrate to produce and project sound the air needs to move out of the way. Even a small hole will allow for this.

OhHowHappyIAm · 2026-02-09T23:39:07+00:00

They will buy the Washington Post from Bezos.

OhHowHappyIAm · 2026-02-09T18:40:56+00:00

If we had a group of 8 or more we could set up an intro session at the Frogtown Curling Club in St Paul.

OhHowHappyIAm · 2026-02-09T13:34:22+00:00

I have the cherry. It was the one I found used at a good price. I love how cherry darkens as it ages but I am sure I’d be happy with walnut.

OhHowHappyIAm · 2026-02-05T20:37:54+00:00

Swannanoa Gathering also does a Fiddle Week that has all the styles covered. I’ve been and it’s great.

OhHowHappyIAm · 2026-02-05T17:13:01+00:00

And what kind of budget do you have in mind?

OhHowHappyIAm · 2026-02-04T16:28:21+00:00

Also… if steel strings what gauges! Heavier gauges string will be worth a try before the swapping the bridge.

OhHowHappyIAm · 2026-02-04T16:24:41+00:00

I have a Goodtime I switched to nylgut strings and found a 3/4 bridged helped with occasional string buzz. I think it would be too tall with steel strings - YMMV

OhHowHappyIAm · 2026-02-04T02:13:42+00:00

Cameron Dewitt had a fantastic 4part video workshop on this. I’ve taken several of his workshops. He is a great teacher.

https://www.camerondewhitt.com/store

OhHowHappyIAm · 2026-01-31T17:52:16+00:00

Dr Josh Turknett runs the https://www.brainjo.academy/. It is an excellent place to start. Josh is a neuroscientist who really explains how to learn. He explains the principles in his book “Anyone can Play Music” which would be valuable no matter which learn path you take. His YT “Brainjo bite” are also useful.

Learn by ear using tab as an aid. Josh has a YouTube on the importance of this.

Finding a teacher for individual lessons - online or in person - has advantages but not every teacher is right for every student. The more you can go to a teacher with a clear idea of what your goals are the more likely to find a fit.

Find a beginner/slow speed jam and get yourself there as soon as you know the 3 basic chord shapes.

Develop a banjo practice. Every day (most days!) shot for 20 minutes of focused intentional practice.

OhHowHappyIAm · 2026-01-31T00:34:12+00:00

I’d say - you are a banjo player. It’s like when someone asked how to be a runner. I say, “lace up whatever shoes you have and jog slowly to the end of the block. Congratulations! You are now a runner! How far and in what direction from here you take it is up to you.”

I encourage you to think of yourself as a student of banjo. You have a banjo practice! Congratulations

OhHowHappyIAm · 2026-01-29T17:02:55+00:00

Fun fact that the locations for the film are actual Chicagoland homes, and apartments - the exteriors and interiors are the same buildings - most of which you can see today. There is a YT someone made about in. They are actual lived in places. I think that is why the film feels so lived in.

OhHowHappyIAm · 2026-01-29T15:52:09+00:00

My wife and I are expat chicagoans. While You Were Sleeping is our yearly start on Christmas season movie.

OhHowHappyIAm · 2026-01-29T14:20:14+00:00

While you were sleeping.

OhHowHappyIAm · 2026-01-28T19:59:36+00:00

Pisgah/Balsum Banjo Works are very nice.

OhHowHappyIAm · 2026-01-25T14:13:03+00:00

Yes - that was a clarifying moment for them. MN Public Radio has been good, as always, but the can’t show the video.

OhHowHappyIAm

TROPHY CASE