Best banjo heads

Steve Romanoski Avatar
Steve Romanoski
Last Updated: Sep 24, 2022

In this article, we've listed the best banjo heads one can find on the market today. We've analyzed about 100 of banjo heads and selected the 33 top options by Levy's Leathers. We took the time to do a thorough research and point out some advantages and disadvantages of each of the products we suggest below so that you don't have to dive deep into the topic and spend numerous hours searching for the ideal model on your own.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Remo BJ1100-L1 Coated Topside Diplomat Banjo Head (11-Inch)
#TOP 1
Remo BJ1100-L1 Coated Topside Diplomat Banjo Head (11-Inch)
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Remo Banjo Head, Coated (Bottom)
#TOP 2
Remo Banjo Head, Coated (Bottom)
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Weatherking Banjo Head
#TOP 3
Weatherking Banjo Head
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Top 33 Best banjo heads Reviews 2022

#TOP 1

Remo BJ1100-L1 Coated Topside Diplomat Banjo Head (11-Inch)

Remo

Features

  • Known for their bright warm tones, resonance, and sustain
  • Low Collar
  • Slightly warmer than the Clear Diplomat due to a thin layer of coating on the single ply of Mylar film
  • 11" diameter coated topside banjo head
#TOP 2

Remo Banjo Head, Coated (Bottom)

Remo

Features

  • Remo Model#BJ1100H2
#TOP 3

Weatherking Banjo Head

Weatherking

Features

  • The original plastic heads
  • Plastic heads resist stretching and shrinking due to humidity, a problem common to skin heads, and give the instrument a brighter, crisper tone
  • High crown (1/2") head, with 10-3/4" diameter
  • Epoxy-mounted Mylar with white top-frosted surface for a bright, crisp tone
#TOP 4

Weatherking Banjo Head

Weatherking

Features

  • Epoxy-mounted Mylar with white top-frosted surface for a bright, crisp tone
  • The original plastic heads
  • High crown (1/2") head, with 10-7/8" diameter
  • Plastic heads resist stretching and shrinking due to humidity, a problem common to skin heads, and give the instrument a brighter, crisper tone
#TOP 5

Deering Goodtime Americana Banjo 12 In. Rim

Deering

Features

  • OTHER FEATURES: 12-inch Remo Renaissance Medium Crown Head, 16 Bracket Shoes with Screw Attachments, 16 Flat Hooks with 9/32" Nuts, 22 Pressed In Nickel Silver Fretsg,D,G,B,D in standard G tuning Can easily be tuned in other tunings as well. Geared 5th String Tuner, Overall Instrument Length 37 1/2", Hardwood Bow Tie Inlays.
  • RENAISANCE HEAD - WARM TONE: The renaissance head complements the Grand 12" rim on the Goodtime Americana to further enhance this banjo's sweet, warm tone.
  • HIGH QUALITY MATERIAL: Blonde 3-ply Violin-Grade Maple Rim, 5/8" Maple/Ebony Goodtime Bridge, Blonde 3-ply Violin-Grade Maple Rim, Blonde Slender Rock Maple Neck
  • ENGRAVED PEGHEAD AMERICANA: Beautiful engraved peghead featuring the Americana name, Goodtime logo, and scrollwork design. Collections: 5 String Banjos, Banjos, Featured Banjos, Goodtime Banjos, In Stock, Openback 5-String Banjos Type: 5 String Banjos
  • NEW GRAND 12" RIMFULL, FAT TONE: The new wider Grand 12" rim found on the Goodtime Americana emphasizes the bass response and gives the banjo an unmistakeble tone.
#TOP 6

Remo P-191 Fiberskyn III Banjo Head

Remo

Features

  • Long-wearing high crown Fiberskyn 3–a synthetic material designed for the vintage look and sound of genuine skin heads
  • To learn more, please see our Product Description below
  • Standard 11" diameter fits most modern banjos and is great for vintage restorations
#TOP 7

Remo Banjo Head Coated Top

Remo

Features

  • The Remo Coated Banjo Head delivers a warm sound thanks to a thin layer of coating on its single-ply Mylar film
  • The Remo Coated Banjo Head delivers a warm sound thanks to a thin layer of coating on its single-ply Mylar film
  • You'll appreciate the increased warmth, resonance, and sustain the head delivers once on top of your banjo
  • Add extra warmth to your banjo's sound with a special added coating
  • You'll appreciate the increased warmth, resonance, and sustain the head delivers once on top of your banjo
#TOP 8

Grover Champion Friction Banjo Tuning Pegs

Grover

Features

  • The knob screw adjusts the peg tension
  • Nickel-plated brass with black plastic knobs
  • Fits 11/32"-diameter pegholes
  • Traditional non-geared pegs for 1/2" to 11/16" peghead thicknesses
#TOP 9

Remo BJ1100-M1 Coated Topside Diplomat Banjo Head (11-Inch)

Remo

Features

  • Slightly warmer than the Clear Diplomat due to a thin layer of coating on the single ply of Mylar film
  • Known for their bright warm tones, resonance, and sustain
  • Medium Collar
  • 11" diameter coated topside banjo head
#TOP 10

Vangoa 5 String Banjo Remo Head Closed Solid Back

Vangoa

Features

  • 5. ECONOMICAL KIT Coming with bag, guitar Tuner, Strap, Pick up, Strings, Picks, you can get these accessories which is suited to beginner one-off at a cost-effective price.
  • 3. DURABLE MATERIAL Mahogany neck, sides and back have beautiful wood grain, hard and not liable to warp or corrode, making the banjo durable.
  • 1. REMO DRUM HEAD It uses high-quality Remo drum head as Banjo panel that can produce a sweet tone. You can also gently beat the head to fusion different timbres in your melodies.
  • 2. ADJUSTABLE STRING HEIGHT It equips a truss rod that can adjust the string height, so that you will feel comfortable and perform fluently.
  • 4. SMOOTH DECENT TOUCH It has a fine bright paint, glossy and smooth, giving you a comfortable playing experience.
#TOP 11

Vbestlife Banjo Tuning Peg

Vbestlife

Features

  • EASY TO INSTALL:The tuner is easy to install and convenient to use, you can tuning by yourself to enjoy the fun.With these tuning pegs, you can reduce the the number of repairs, have a long service time.
  • Make sure this fits by entering your model number.
  • EXCELLENT WORKMANSHIP: Great for tuning the strings, keeps your instrument in good playing condition. Fine workmanship, hard to break, durable for long time use.
  • PERFECT ACCESSORY:This beautiful tuning peg accessory will add some elegance to your banjo.A must-having for banjo luthier and players, also a nice gift for music lovers.
  • GOOD PERFORMANCE:Made of high quality zinc alloy and PVC materials, which is sturdy and durable to bring a long service life.Accurate design will guarantee high performance and practicality in playing work.
  • TUNE STRING: The tuned guitar string does not loosen easily.With these tuning pegs, you can tune guitar strings fast and accurately.
#TOP 12

Deering Goodtime 2 5-String Banjo

Deering

Features

  • Sealed geared tuners
  • Slender rock maple neck
  • Three-ply maple rim
  • Single Bound Maple Resonator
  • Adjustable tailpiece
#TOP 13

Remo Banjo Head, Clear

Remo

Features

  • Remo Model#BJ1100H3
#TOP 14

Remo Banjo Head, Fiberskyn

Remo

Features

  • Remo Model#BJ1100L5
#TOP 15

Remo P-190 WeatherKing Standard Banjo Head

Remo

Features

  • Long-wearing high crown frosted white mylar gives superior tone
  • Standard 11" diameter fits most modern banjos
  • To learn more, please see our Product Description below
#TOP 16

Golden Gate P-198 Flat Goatskin Banjo Head

Golden Gate

Features

  • To learn more, please see our Product Description below
  • Select quality flat goatskin is the only way to get that true traditional sound
  • 16" diameter to cut to size
#TOP 17

Goatskin, 14",Thin

Mid-East

Features

  • Handcrafted Quality, Value Priced
  • Satisfaction Guaranteed! 30-Day Return Policy!
#TOP 18

Remo BJ1100M3 Clear Diplomat Banjo Head (11-Inch)

Remo

Features

  • Medium Collar
  • Remo's brightest, most open sounding head due to its single layer of Mylar film
  • 11" diameter Clear Diplomat banjo head
#TOP 19

BQLZR Semiclosed Banjo Machine Head Tuning Tuner Peg

BQLZR

Features

  • Comes with 4pcs bushings
  • Includes 4pcs machine heads and 1 pc Banjo non slip peg
#TOP 20

Elite Amber Banjo Head

Elite

Features

  • Get more "snap" for old-time playing and more depth for bluegrass
  • High crown heads are most suitable for a banjo with a flathead tone ring (or a flat-topped banjo)
  • Bring new tone possibilities with a sound that's a bit brighter than the original Elite, but warmer than a standard plastic head
  • This modern head material is unaffected by moisture and resembles antique amber translucent calfskin
  • High crown (1/2") head, with 11" diameter
#TOP 21

Remo Banjo Head Coated Top

Remo

Features

  • The Remo Coated Banjo Head delivers a warm sound thanks to a thin layer of coating on its single-ply Mylar film
  • You'll appreciate the increased warmth, resonance, and sustain the head delivers once on top of your banjo
  • Add extra warmth to your banjo's sound with a special added coating
  • The Remo Coated Banjo Head delivers a warm sound thanks to a thin layer of coating on its single-ply Mylar film
  • You'll appreciate the increased warmth, resonance, and sustain the head delivers once on top of your banjo
#TOP 22

ADM 5 String Full Size Banjo Guitar Kit

adm

Features

  • HIGH-QUALITY REMO DRUM HEADSelected banjo panel will produce a sweet tone, ensuring clarity sound. Proper bridge setting can stay stable when fast fingerpicking
  • ECONOMICAL KIT WITH FREE LESSONSOur pack is constucted with bag, digital tuner, strap, strings, picks, hanger and clearing cloth. You can get these accessories which is suited to beginner one-off at a cost-effective price. Meanwhile, you will also enjoy extra one-month lesson by contactng us when the item arrive
  • GEARED 5TH TUNERIt is important for both tuning and playability, bringing you the classic tones and perfect for country, folk, bluegrass and even some modern rock. And it is an important upgrade over the common friction tuner
  • THICKENED BAG for BETTER PROTECTINGAn thicker bag will protect the banjo better, making it a great idea to take for traveling, camping, hiking, going to the beach. And also perfect for anyone who has always wanted to learn to play this iconic instrument
  • SUPERIOR MATERIALBlack walnut fingerboard and bridge, sturdy and stable, make the sound more layered. Sapele sides and back have beautiful wood grain, hard and not liable to warp or corrode, making the banjo durable
#TOP 23

Remo Banjo Head, Renaissance Diplomat

Remo

Features

  • Remo Model#BJ1100M6
#TOP 24

Banjo 5 String, MIRIO 41Inch Full Size Banjo Beginner Kit

MIRIO

Features

  • 100%Good Service-We provide a 3-year warranty,We aim to provide customers with high-quality products and sincere service. If you have any problems, just feel free to contact us. We will definitely give you a satisfactory solution
  • Classic Traditional Style - -Styled after the innovative models of the early 20th century, these new/old banjos are true players that exude unden, Full scale & lightweight ideal for traveling, camping, hiking, taking to the beach. Whether you are pro, a weekend warrior, a hobbyist or a beginner: Start playing your favorite songs right away
  • 24 Adjustable Brackets and Geared 5th Tuner - Important for both tuning and playability. A premium feature usually found only on more expensive banjos this geared 5th tuner is an important upgrade over the common friction tuner
  • Superior Remo Banjo Head - Brings you all the classic tones of a traditional 5 string banjo. Perfect for country, folk, bluegrass, and even some modern rock. It's designed to sound as good as it looks
  • Premiun Quality- The rich wood and high-gloss finish are accented with white jade machine head tuner key pegs and chrome-plated hardware. Crafted with mahogany neck, back, and side, plus a rosewood fingerboard and Maple Wood bridge
#TOP 25

Other Drumhead Pack (BJ-1100-ME)

Other

Features

  • The package width of the product is 2.8 inches
  • The package height of the product is 3.8 inches
  • The package length of the product is 2.8 inches
  • Country of origin is United States
#TOP 26

Weatherking Banjo Head

Weatherking

Features

  • Epoxy-mounted Mylar with white top-frosted surface for a bright, crisp tone
  • Plastic heads resist stretching and shrinking due to humidity, a problem common to skin heads, and give the instrument a brighter, crisper tone
  • High crown (1/2") head, with 11" diameter
  • The original plastic heads
#TOP 27

Remo BJ1100-H1 Coated Topside Diplomat Banjo Head (11-Inch)

Remo

Features

  • Known for their bright warm tones, resonance, and sustain
  • 11" diameter coated topside banjo head
  • High Collar
  • Slightly warmer than the Clear Diplomat due to a thin layer of coating on the single ply of Mylar film
#TOP 28

Head Tuner Tuning Peg Key Button + Bushing

ZJIA

Features

  • Comes with 4pcs bushings and spacer
  • Includes 4pcs machine heads and 1pcs Banjo non slip peg
#TOP 29

Milisten 5pcs Banjo String Tuning Pegs Guitar Tuner Machine Heads Knobs Tuning Keys

Milisten

Features

  • Essential replacement for the old, worn or broken tuning pegs for banjo.
  • Made of high grade material, durable in use.Mainly used to fix strings and improve the sound of strings.
  • Banjo Machine Heads Tuning Pegs Tuners Keys with 4 Bushings for Banjo Guitar Bass
  • This set of Banjo machine head tuning peg/key includes 5pcs, and comes with 4pcs bushings.
  • Strong metal body ensures great endurance and practicability.
#TOP 30

8inch Banjo Head Skin

Almencla

Features

  • Great for replacing your old or worn out skin.
  • Suitable for banjo drum, banjo ukulele replacement.
  • Color: White
  • Top Curve Shape with black Polyester Skin
  • Polyester Film Skin Drum Skin Banjo Head Skin Replacement Parts.
#TOP 31

5pcs Banjo Tuning Pegs

Homeswitch

Features

  • Top choice for your old and broke one.
  • Durable with good workmanship for long time use.
  • Includes 4pcs machine heads and 1 pc Banjo non slip peg
#TOP 32

Remo Banjo Head, Renaissance

Mid-East

Features

  • Shipped insured
  • 11" Diameter
  • High Collar w/ textured surface
  • Replacement Banjo Renaissance Diplomat Head
  • Brand New!
#TOP 33

8inch Banjo Head Skin

Kesoto

Features

  • Polyester Film Skin Drum Skin Banjo Head Skin Replacement Parts.
  • Suitable for banjo drum, banjo ukulele replacement.
  • Top Curve Shape with black Polyester Skin
  • Color: White
  • Great for replacing your old or worn out skin.

Choosing the Ideal banjo heads - What to Keep in Mind

How much does it cost to replace a banjo head?

Luthier Price Guide
Change Banjo Head Mylar, (most) plus cost of head$65.00
Change Banjo Head, Real Skin (most) plus cost of head$95.00
Banjo Nut, bone$55.00
5th string spikes, each (includes the spike/s)$10.00
Banjo Neck Reset: Remove the banjo neck, remove lags, re-angle the neck, reinstall, string and setup banjo.$155.00

Why is the banjo harder to play than a guitar?

The tuning you decide to learn will affect your ease of playing. The banjo is tuned to an open tuning, called “Open G tuning.” The guitar is typically tuned to “Standard” which are the notes E, A, D, G, B, E, and this does not create an open chord like the banjo tuning does.

How tight should a banjo head be?

For those of you with experience and a great ear, factory recommendations are to tighten it between G and G# on our frosted top heads. For the rest of us this means that the banjo head should give just a little to gentle pressure from our hand and the bridge should definitely look like it is sitting on a flat surface.

Is it hard to replace a banjo head?

Changing a banjo head can be a very simple procedure. However, if your banjo has other issues, it can also be fraught with peril. You do not want to over tighten your banjo head. It can damage your banjo or give you an unappealing tone.

Editor's Notes

In total, our testing team spent 56 hours on the research prior to come up with the compilation of the 33 best banjo heads on the market. We've read 1074 reviews, on 25 different trusted resources and made this compilation of the customers' favorites. These products have the average rating of 281, and, we've also analyzed the price range: on average, the selected banjo heads are available at $2714.

Steve Romanoski Avatar
Written by

Steve Romanoski

Steve loves music. Steve Romanoski and his wife live in Alaska. They are always on the go, exploring new places and trying out new products (especially those which can help them enjoy the great musics even more). When he's not writing about products, Steve Romanoski enjoys reading books about history and science. He likes to think of himself as a renaissance man, but his wife would probably say that he's just a big kid at heart.