Different banjos take banjo heads with different crown heights. Find out what your Deering banjo takes here.
A high crown head is ½” and a medium crown head is 7/16”. Not much of a difference but it is a critical one. It is measured from the top of the mylar edge to the top of the aluminum rim of the banjo head. Once the head has stretched, it is difficult to depend on that measurement for accuracy so it is best to understand what you need according to factory specifications.
The Goodtime Series banjos, regardless of age, will always take a HIGH CROWN banjo head no matter which head type you choose. This will allow you to install it easily and get it tightened down enough for the proper installation.
All Upperline Deering banjos made prior to 2006 will take a HIGH CROWN head, regardless of the style of head. You can use a medium crown but it will take longer to stretch over the rim/tone ring to get to the right level of tightness. The high crown has more space to slip over without “bottoming out” on the hooks; ie. being able to get the head tight enough before you run out of thread to do so on the hook.
Upperline banjos made on or after 2006 take a MEDIUM CROWN head. This is because the new 2006 tone ring has a more rounded top edge that does not require the extra depth of crown height.
There is an exception to the crown height rules listed above when it comes to the 12" rim models.
All Upperline 12” rim models will require a LOW CROWN head and all Goodtime 12” rim models will require a MEDIUM CROWN head.