Copy of Hear the Difference a Banjo Bolster Can Make! (Janet Burton - Live Version)
The recordings below provide a direct comparison between the banjo's undampened sound, the use of traditional stuffing methods and the Banjo Bolster. The same tune (Ric Hollander's arrangement of "Arkansas Traveler") was played for each recording.
No equalization or other sound modification techniques were used. These are raw recordings made in a professional recording studio environment using state-of-the-art equipment.
It is highly recommended that you listen to the examples using high quality headphones/ear buds.
No equalization or other sound modification techniques were used. These are raw recordings made in a professional recording studio environment using state-of-the-art equipment.
It is highly recommended that you listen to the examples using high quality headphones/ear buds.
12" Open Back
Huss & Dalton Singletree, Tubaphone Tone Ring, Renaissance Head, Steel Strings
Just the Banjo
No stuffing was placed inside the banjo.
Foam Rubber Stuffing
A 3 x 5 x 3/4” piece of foam rubber padding was placed between the dowel stick and the head.
Banjo Bolster
The Banjo Bolster was placed in the lower arc and configured to partially touch the head.
To give you an idea of how great this banjo sounds with the Banjo Bolster, we’ve taken the same Banjo Bolster example above and added a little EQ and reverb to produce a professional grade recording.
Banjo Bolster example with EQ & reverb.
Gold Tone CEB-5 Cello Banjo
14” Renaissance Head, Tuned 11 Semi-Tones Down, Gold Tone Light Gauge Strings
Just the Banjo
No stuffing was placed inside the banjo.
Folded Towel Stuffing
A hand towel was folded and placed inside the banjo pot, lightly touching the head.
Banjo Bolster
The Banjo Bolster was placed in the lower arc and configured to partially touch the head.
To give you an idea of how great this banjo sounds with the Banjo Bolster, we’ve taken the same Banjo Bolster example above and added a little EQ and reverb to produce a professional grade recording.
Banjo Bolster example with EQ & reverb.
Equipment Used to Make the Recordings
Microphones: Stereo pair of Shure KSM27, large diaphragm condenser mics
Audio Interface: RME Baby Face Pro FS
Audio Cables: Mogami
Computer: iMac (Intel), Mac OS 12.6
DAW: Logic Pro 10.7.6
Audio Interface: RME Baby Face Pro FS
Audio Cables: Mogami
Computer: iMac (Intel), Mac OS 12.6
DAW: Logic Pro 10.7.6
User Provided Recordings
Janet Burton
Tune: Soppin' the Gravy
Recorded with a Zoom H4n Handheld Recorder
Recorded with a Zoom H4n Handheld Recorder
Doc's Banjo - Short Scale
Without the Banjo Bolster
With the Banjo Bolster