Hear the Difference a Banjo Bolster Can Make!
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.
Interested in learning about the science behind the Banjo Bolster? Check out David Politzer's analysis of how the Banjo Bolster works!
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.
Interested in learning about the science behind the Banjo Bolster? Check out David Politzer's analysis of how the Banjo Bolster works!
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
Customer Submitted Before/After Recordings
Ryan Harlin Playing an OME Mira Banjo
Maple Neck and Rim, Renaissance Head
Read Ryan's Customer Testimonial
Read Ryan's Customer Testimonial
Just the Banjo
No stuffing was placed inside the banjo.
Banjo Bolster
The Banjo Bolster was placed in the lower arc and configured to partially touch the head.
Original Tune - Copyright 2023, Ryan Harlin, All Rights Reserved
Equipment Used to Make Ryan's Recording
Microphone: Audio Technical Pro 70
DAW: Reason
DAW: Reason
Learn Beginning Clawhammer Fundamentals with Ryan at the 2024 CBA Summer Music Camp!