This entry-level banjo boasts outstanding features. The composite tone rim and dual coordinator rods help give it its rich, full sound; when set up properly it can rival much more expensive models.
Before it can be considered gig-worthy, this banjo may require professional setup, but for its price it offers great potential.
The resonator
The resonator consists of two metal parts made from one billet, sealed together using an O-ring seal. Its vacuum capacitance C0 comes from several areas including its bottom surface, bulbous extension in its middle region and fringing fields at both ends of its gap; normal modes occur at evenly spaced multiples (harmonics) of its lowest frequency called its fundamental mode.
Q is a dimensionless parameter that measures how underdamped oscillations are in a resonator, proportional to peak energy stored per cycle in its oscillations. Q plays an essential role in defining transmission line resonators’ bandwidth when excited with electromagnetic radiation pulses; however, intrinsic losses in material limit what Q can be attained; to maximize Q levels, ovenization may provide thermal isolation or Joule heating of its vibrational losses while Joule heating provides Joule heating which can be precisely controlled using Joule heating technology – both vitally important factors that need considerations when operating transmission line resonators materials that will produce pulses of electromagnetic radiation when excited by electromagnetic radiation pulses from pulsed electromagnetic radiation pulses; intrinsic losses in material limit how high Q can be achieved; intrinsic losses also limit what Q can achieve when excited by pulsed electromagnetic radiation pulses; ultimately this determines bandwidth when excited by pulsed electromagnetic radiation pulse pulses from pulse of electromagnetic radiation pulse. However, when ovenized for stability it also provides Joule heating as well as thermal isolation which can be controlled precisely for precise results.
The flange
The Flange sits under the head of a banjo to increase volume. It contains four wall lugs inside, and connects to its resonator via four large thumb screws (or bolts).
This flange features a 24-hook brass tension hoop to make setting up an even head tension easier, something most players should strive to achieve as uneven head tension can ruin a banjo’s tone by creating dead spots within its frequency spectrum.
Flanges provide an ideal space for adding personalized engravings such as names, dates or phrases which can easily be removed if you decide to sell the instrument later on. Truss rod covers are typically decorative plastic or pearl covers which protect the truss rod nut (which adjusts neck angle). Some people like to paint over these covers but it’s generally advised against as it compromises sound.
The tone ring
A banjo equipped with a tone ring offers more crystalline sound quality that projects and cuts through instruments better, making the ring an often attractive feature of its own. This makes the tone ring an integral selling point.
Deering rings provide banjos with a mid-range sound that’s often ideal for clawhammer and frailing styles of playing. Made of bell bronze alloy, this Deering ring has a triangular cross section.
Many Hangout members have suggested that tension hoops and bracket bands constitute part of the tone ring, yet I find no logic in their assertion – these components simply play an additional part in producing tone over and above what the basic rim contributes.
The rim
Dependent upon your budget and level of commitment (along with that of your band), you may consider investing in a resonator banjo. There is plenty of advice out there regarding this subject; therefore it’s important to carefully evaluate each recommendation until finding what works for you best.
The rim is an integral component of a resonator banjo’s sound, so its quality of design and construction is crucial to its sound. Dan Drabek has devised an ingenious solution using spring-loaded cabinet latches that snap securely into indents on its rim for effortless open back playback.
The rim is key in producing an appealing banjo sound because it helps dampen vibrations from escaping and irritating your ears, and allows the sound to project further than otherwise would. Clear sounds tend to sound louder and are easier for listeners at a distance.