DrumDial

Quickly & accurately check the tension of your banjo head. Place the DrumDial on a flat suface to set to "0". Then, set the dial directly on the banjo head to measure the tension. This allows you to maintain the tension at the number with produces the best tone from your banjo, and to maintain it evenly across the head. Eliminates the need to tap tune.

Tom's DrumDial Use Tips:
   Many of you know, or have at least read, about the importance of an even head tension on your banjo to give you the best sound. Tap tuning is a method for 'tuning' the banjo head, and for some set up experts, it's very effective. But it's also very subjective to how you hear the note. The DrumDial is a handy tool to take the guess work out of tightening and setting up your banjo for the best tone. So how does it work? The DrumDial consists of a dial indicator, a weighted base, and a spring-loaded plunger, so when you set the DrumDial on the banjo head, the plunger spins the dial indicator and measures the tympanic presser from the surface. You can take the measurement around the head with the bridge in place and the strings up to pitch. It is best to take at least 4 measurements around the head to get an even tension.

   For most Mastertone style banjos using a Remo Weatherking head, setting the head around 89 will give you a nice bass response with a clear treble, and going up to 90 or 91 will brighten the tone considerably. Different heads, like the 5-Star and Ludwig heads are thicker material, and will have better clarity around 92-93. Personal preference does play a role, so you can start with the tension around 88 and tighten the head evenly until you find the tone you like best.
For further questions about using the DrumDial or set up,
give us a call at 800-933-5362.

DD1 - List: $99.00
SPECIAL: $64.25

Comments from Bill Emerson about the Drum Dial and how he uses it:

I think every banjo player should own one. When I was at Nash Camp, Sonny and I got to talking about the drum dial. I reckon you know all this stuff already, but I’ll run it by you anyway. Sonny said he removes his armrest and tailpiece before using the dial. He checks and adjusts the tension at each and every hook. I had only been checking mine at a few spots.

When I got home, I tried Sonny’s and found the head tension on my banjos was a long way from being even. I use a little ¾ inch wooden spacer that I made between the tension hoop and the dial. When I sit the dial on the head I lift up the spring loaded center spindle and gently release it a couple of times to be sure I’m getting an accurate reading. It made a big difference in all my banjos.
~ Bill