Guitars 'open up' - do banjos ?

Subject: Guitars 'open up' - do banjo's ?
From: Wesley S
Date: 26 Sep 02 - 04:23 PM

This question came up the other night when a friend just got a new banjo. I understand how and why a guitar or mandolin can "open up" - sound better after it's been played a few months or years. But does the same hold true for a banjo? Since the tone producing parts of the banjo seem to be the plastic head and the metal rim { correct me if I'm wrong }, I don't see how those can "mature". Any banjo players out there with any facts or opinions ? Thanks.

Subject: RE: Guitars 'open up' - do banjo's ?
From: GUEST,Extra Stout
Date: 26 Sep 02 - 04:32 PM

I recently found out that the neck material can have a major effect on banjo tone, and most of the good ones have a wood rim, or body, so I would expect a banjo to improve with age as the wood mellows and all the pieces get better acquainted.

Subject: RE: Guitars 'open up' - do banjo's ?
From: GUEST,a picker
Date: 26 Sep 02 - 05:03 PM

It's not the instrument, it's how you play it.

Subject: RE: Guitars 'open up' - do banjo's ?
From: banjoman
Date: 27 Sep 02 - 07:41 AM

Banjos certainly mellow with age. I have an english banjo made in 1923 with the name "melody Joe" on it. Its tone is very mellow and great for song accompiament. My more modern Gold tone (about 3 years old) still has some way to go but its getting there. I once had an old Deering with a cast metal body. This was very crisp and was OK for Bluegrass but obviously hadn't mellowed. Obviously a lot depends on how its played, but this is just the same for guitars.

Subject: RE: Guitars 'open up' - do banjo's ?
From: clansfolk
Date: 27 Sep 02 - 08:05 AM

Although Banjos can "open up" with age - the most important effect on tone is the vellum - what its made of thickness tension (amount and evenness of tension) - even a cheap banjo can be made to sound better with a good set up. - Don't forget the bridge - this also has a great effect on the sound.....|

Subject: RE: Guitars 'open up' - do banjo's ?
From: GUEST,Russ
Date: 27 Sep 02 - 03:53 PM

Of course the sound of a banjo will change as the various parts age in various ways. The question is whether the changes will be audible. I've played my latest banjo for a number of years and I don't hear any difference. I like the same things about its sound today as I did the day I bought it. However, that might say more about me and my hearing than about the banjo.

Also, a presupposition of the search for the bluegrass banjo grail (prewar Gibson Mastertone) is that prewar Gibson Mastertones HAVEN'T changed significantly.