FRETS.COM Museum


Not just for show!
Banjo Headlights

© Frank Ford, 1999; Photos by FF

In the days before synthetic banjo heads, keeping a banjo head tight was a bit of a chore. In damp weather, the skin would absorb moisture and become loose and dull sounding. Tighten it in damp weather, and watch it split when the weather dries out and it becomes overtight.

Professional players often used electric heaters, in the form of electric lights, to keep their banjo heads tight in performance. . .

Please click the small image

Here's the classic banjo accessory, circa 1925.
These were made by Elton, a most prolific manufacturer of fretted instrument accessories and O.E.M. parts.

Plug 'em in, turn 'em on. Your banjo head will stay nice and dry, and your banjo will sound bright.

It'll look bright too, even in the back row!





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