Elite Amber Banjo Heads

I primarily work as a traditional jazz player but I also play old time clawhammer. I have found that the elite amber (also, apparently exactly the same as "Renaissance" heads) really are the best for getting that old, warm plunky sound you want when you are playing pre WWII genres. HOWEVER, they do not hold up to a lot of wear and tear. Before I switched to the eilte I was breaking a banjo head about once every two years, now it's about once every 4 months. That said, I play with a pick usually and play often very forcefully on a daily basis. I don't plan on ever switching from these things because the sound is just perfect without the hassle of a skin head (especially in an extremely humid climate with clubs that blast AC all the time), but I just thought it's worth the mention; these things do not last. But at 17 bucks a pop its worth it for me :)

Fully satisfy

Needed a hi-crown head to fit over the retrofit brass tone ring. When it all fit together, it fit like a glove, was really able to torque it down for maximum tone and resonance. Looks well made and the price was right, thanks!

Nice sound & pleasant appearance. With most of the use being on old-time banjos, the fact that the head material could be a bit more firmly fixed to the flesh ring isn't that critical. Wouldn't want to use this head on a banjo that needed serious head tension - a 5-Star would be better for that job

I was looking for a head to replace the plastic head on my B&D Silver Bell, one that was closer to the calfskin sound. The Elite Amber head did the trick.

I will not go into great detail here but what other reviewers have said I also found to be true.

Looks : Beautiful head, made an old bean blossom look like a completely different instrument!

Tone : Warm is an understatement in my opinion. Although I loved the way it looked it did not produce the punch I wanted. So back to the old frosty for me. For anyone looking to create that older sound this is your head.

Construction : One of the better made heads I have come across. This thing is well built! I accidentally tripped and stepped on the thing during the installation process, and i'm not a little guy.... still no problems.

Thank you for the Elite banjo head. It looks great and has a very resonant warm sound.

The Elite amber head made my banjo sound just as I wanted it to sound. Great prices fast shipping and quality good. Thanks Stewmac!

I recently installed this head on a Bart Reiter Special open back banjo. I examined an installed head on another of Barts works a Galax banjo, and fell in love. I was able to contact Bart via email and he helped me out with the model of head that would properly fit my banjo. After the banjo head was installed, the banjo really responded well! I love the tone and "pop" it has! Stew-Mac has awesome service too, a great price, and quick shipping. Highly recommend the head.

The Elite Amber head is advertised primarily for use on old time banjos but I have had really good results using it on bluegrass banjos as well. I prefer a deep tone and the Elite head delivers what I am looking for. There is a depth to the banjo's tone that was not possible with a traditional plastic head. It sounds as if I am playing notes, not overtones.