Always remember that Scruggs had a skin head, that could Blow pretty easily if it was too tight. It's really a matter of "feel". You just get used to it.

But the biggest factor of all, is technique. A perfectly tuned and tightened head will sound like shit if your hand position is wrong and you haven't practiced your rolls.

Just to get you started Steve....make certain that your right hand ring and pinky are planted on the banjo head (some players just plant the pinky) and learn the "opposing" roll first.

Thumb on 3rd string

index on 2nd string

thumb on 5th string

middle on 1st string

Absolutely NAIL that roll (Scruggs says it takes about 10,000 repetitions). I feel it's about three full hours. Then do it with the 2nd to 4th fret slide on the 3rd string. That's probably about a half hour's worth (IF you've learned the roll properly)

Once you can do that smoothly you'll really HEAR Bluegrass banjo.....and you'll appreciate what a good set-up "sounds like.

Cheers

Rick