Banjo Heads & Vellums

Eagle Music guidelines to help you choose the correct size banjo head:-

What Size Do I Need? ...You may know your exact banjo head size and crown height ...However, if you are changing your banjo head for the first time, you will need to take some precise measurements to ensure that you order the correct size. Please see below how to measure your banjo.

Please Note: When your banjo head arrives, please open the packet carefully and offer the head to your banjo, do not force the head onto your banjo ...if you have ordered the wrong size, please put the head back into its original packaging and return the head for an exchange. Your mistake will however cost you the extra P&P,  but we will be happy to exchange the head for you.

Please Click On This Link for Tools / Brackey Keys to Help You Remove Your Banjo Head

Measure your banjo for the correct head diameter ...
Because your banjo's rim may be slightly out of round, take at least three diameter measurements at different points on the outside of the banjo's tone ring or rim top. Use the average diameter to the nearest 1/16" to order the correct size. Most modern banjos, including Mastertone-style instruments, us an 11"-diameter head. Modern makers of "old-time" open-back banjos usually use 11" (and sometimes 12") heads. Vintage banjos, however, may have a range of rim diameters from 10" to 12".

Choose the correct crown height
The plastic in a banjo head is epoxied or crimped into a mounting band during the manufacturing process. Crown height is the vertical distance from the top of the head's mounting band to the top surface of the head. A banjo with a flathead tone ring (or a flat-topped banjo) requires a medium or high crown head. A banjo with an archtop tone ring requires a low crown head. The correct crown height prevents the banjo's tension hoop from pulling down too far, and ensures the hoop won't be so high as to impede the strings.

Rough guide to approximate banjo crown heights;Low crown: 12mm, Medium Crown: 15mm, High Crown: 18mm