Banjo head crown height advice

What is the banjo head ‘crown height’ and how do I know which to choose when ordering a replacement head?

This is a question we get asked almost on a daily basis here at Eagle Music.

In a nutshell there are 3 heights that manufacturers produce banjo heads in, the most popular and best known banjo head maker being Remo.

They are low (3/8”), medium (7/16”) and high (½”) and are always quoted in imperial, not metric sizes.

How is a banjo head made?

A banjo head is made up of 2 sections, the plastic head part that stretches over the banjo rim or pot and the metal band that goes around the edge.

Where do I measure my banjo crown height?

The height is measured from the upper edge of the metal band (usually aluminium) and the top of the plastic head. As the top of the head is a curved edge it’s something that you have to eyeball with a ruler to measure and work out which replacement size you need.

How do I measure it?

In order to take this measurement you need to remove your head from the banjo, it makes it much easier to measure. When the head is on the banjo and in operation it’s tensioned up a lot so it doesn’t make for the most accurate measurement reading and it’s also awkward to measure. Banjo heads will stretch over time so measuring on the banjo is not a good idea so the best and easiest way to measure it is off the banjo.

This image shows you where to measure on your banjo head for the correct crown height

Can I just guess the size?

Some banjos can take different sized crown heights. Depending on If there is enough room in the neck/pot join area when the head is pulled down will determine if you can fit the next size up or down. That’s very much a trial and error thing so we recommend you make the most accurate measurement you can to get the right size first time.

What if I get the wrong size?

If you select too low a crown the tension hoop can sit too high when tightened up and impede the strings. If you tighten up too much there is a chance the head will split. If it’s too high then you will be pulling the head down too far and you could run out of threads on your hooks.

I’ve got an old banjo with a natural skin/vellum on, can I fit a modern banjo head?

Here we provide information on how to fit a natural skin vellum.

In our experience most vintage banjos wont accept modern banjos heads.

What parts or tools are needed for a head change?

At Eagle Music hwe have an extensive range of replacement banjo heads - https://www.eaglemusicshop.com...

Also this bracket key is really handy - https://www.eaglemusicshop.com...

Can I return a head or exchange it if I’ve picked the wrong size?

Yes, if you haven’t damaged the head in any way or fitted it and set it up to full tension, we cannot sell them again in this case. Return it with a covering note and we’ll try a different head, you must pay the returning and outgoing postage costs though.

Hopefully that’s not too much of a ‘head’ache… good luck and please get in touch if you'd need more advice from the Eagle team!

Matt