I was looking at the pot on my Epi last night, and to my surprise when I took the hoop off, there were 3 punctures in my new 5 star head, right where the hooks sit over the tension hoop. I doubt I had the head over tightened, and even if I did, I doubt it would break along those 3 points exactly where the hooks are.
The hooks sit over the hoop, and there's zero clearance between the hoop and the ring on this banjo. I don't know how I didn't notice this earlier. I don't see how I can tighten this thing p now without destroying yet another head.
So I need to replace the hooks and nuts. The hoop is crap too, so maybe I'll replace that as well. The problem is, it's all gold hardware on this banjo, and I can't seem to find any gold hooks or hoops anywhere. FQMS and StewMac have none. JDMC does, but they just changed their site around and I can't tell which of the 2 ($40 and $70) versions of hooks sets is better or even different (or even, not chinese crap).
1. Where can I get a decent set of hooks that won't kill my heads?
2. Where can I get a gold notched hoop that's not super expensive (and won't warp)?
3. While I'm at it, where can I get the remo taiwan heads now? (FQMS has them on clearance, but not sure the crown is correct, and they say backordered now)
Thanks a bunch!