(moderators, please move this post if its not in the appropriate subforum)
related to OT/clawhammer, i'm reading a lot of descriptions of different tone rings, different ways the pot(that is the body of the banjo-right?) is rigged up to produce, i assume, different tones.
much like in the guitar world the differences in spruce top or cedar tops, and backs being of EIR/walnut/maple/mahogany.
where can one find something of a generic description of the most common build differences? I know a person must truly play each instrument to see how you "hear it" for yourself, but can someone provide me a kickstart to put me on the road to understanding(such as brass ring gives smooth tone, whyte laydie is brighter, etc).
also on the same idea, i assume the material of the top(ugh, probably wrong word), the "hide", makes a big difference as well?
I know i can call a shop and ask questions all day long, but thats tying up a lot of time for busy shop owners and really i think i should do my research here versus on their phone line. keep in mind i have not been exposed to open back banjos and starting from scratch. i've played a bunch of youtube videos, but after a while i think my ears start hearing the same thing.
and to add to the fire, i found this OME that does not use a tonering:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIXDR2Jjr_s
highly appreciate the info and opinions
d