Got a real old 5 String Banjo with great quality hoop brackets and hide top. When setup to what I think is about the correct tension it sounds like an Electric Guitar in a big room or with reverb set to max.

Question why do older Banjos sound this way and secondly what do the Muddie Banjoexperts advise to get it sounding like a Gibson or anyother modern Banjo.

Things I already tried but reversed - tighten the top some more = made it worse, replaced the bridge with another = no change, shoved a cloth in the back between the neck rod and hide top = made a big difference and the sound was very nice, slightly clunky with very little ring or echo, cussed stared at the beast real hard saying 'hey Banjo quit yelling in a bottle' = the neighbors called over to see if I was Ok.

Thanks in restless anticipation and exictement

Yours fretingly an eager Banjo wannabe.