I've made over 20 open backed banjos over the past ten years.. One had a skin head and the owner said it wasn't loud enough but wouldn't get it back to me for adjustment.. Another comment was made by a banjo instructor who said that my banjos were works of art but just not loud enough..
My first reaction to these comments was to be defensive..Then, I thought about it.
My banjos are 3/4 in rimmed, 1/4 inch round brass tone ringed and fibre skin headed..
1. When I play at home alone the banjos is always loud enough
2. When 3 or 4 musicians come over I just take out the sock and the banjo is loud enough
3.. If I really want it to be loud l put in my hearing aid
4. If one particular person can't hear me very well then I point my banjo head in his direction.. Banjos are VERY directional
5. If I'm playing on stage the sound man can get my banjo to be as loud as necessary ...always
6. Different picks give different volume.
However,
1. when playing next to an accordion or piano, it is never loud enough
2. When another banjo player has a BG banjo, it is never loud enough
I have a good friend who plays a nice open backed Gold Tone.. I sat next to him for 15 years in a regular jam and NEVER thought that his banjo was loud enough....UNTIL.. I switched positions in the group and sat across from him.. From this new position, his banjo blew me out of the room..
Conclusion.....
1. If your banjo needs to be really loud, have your hearing checked.. (seriously)
2. Use a pick
3. . Remember that loudness is relative and largely a matter of personal preference..
Now, What are YOUR thoughts about this subject?? Hmmm?