I put a banjo together with a brass tone ring (Stew-Mac), fyberskin head, reused co-ordinator rods and mahogay neck (I know). Currently stuffed with a diaper against the head, but it doesn't seem to be as "thunky" as I'd like. Much of my listening is to the Highwoods String Band catalog and Walt Koken. Different strings would help? Loosening the head? Fairie dust?
Thx-
Mike