My banjos are both 5 string models. You're right, there are two-footed uncapped bridges for 4 string banjos but I haven't seen any for a 5-string. I wasn't as clear as I should have been in my earlier posts.

Ah, ok. I've always been partial to the Moon bridges on 5-stringers. What style(s) do you play?

Trying to play clawhammer but I'm not very good at it. I have too many different instruments sharing my time.

Head is installed, and it is awesome! Pics coming soon...

Looks great! I played on a hide skin for years but It was difficult coming from a cold street to a hot pub! I gave up taking it out eventually and when the skin died after many years I got a renaissance skin. which diodnt sound as rich and 'brown' but It was a lot more stable.

My advice is to try and maintain its environment as stable as you can. so preferably have an air tight case well padded and isolated from the extremes and just avoid extreme environments as much as possible and you will love the sound. Seamus Creigh complimented my playing and sound one night so It wasnt just me who thought it sounded good for a banjo and he was famous for disliking the banjo !

Although it hasn't been out of the house yet, I surprised at how stable it's been so far. Almost 24 hours with a new skin head and new strings, and it's still in perfect tune!

well thats the trick... keeping the environment stable. Have sessions in your kitchin! Anyhow they give the best sound by far IMO , well done.

The head finally loosened a bit. I got home from work about 30 minutes ago and sat down to play. The G string was giving me fret buzz at all frets. Tightened her back up and she's good to go (heh, how's that for accidental innuendo?).

Another observation that I hadn't taken into much account: the strings. They've settled in now and are losing that "twang" that a new set can have. The banjo is starting to settle into a plunkier sound as a result. Slight loss in volume, but it's all good. After all, these changes all fit into what I consider an ideal banjo, one that blends rather than dominates.

I'm still exceptionally pleased, and would recommend the experiment to anyone that has a love of banjo.

Later this week, I'm gonna see if I can figure out how to do a sound clip through one of the recording apps on my iPod Touch and get it posted.

A sound clip was promised, so I just finished uploading a short demo video. This was recorded using the stock Camera app on my iPod Touch, so don't expect professional quality. While it sounds much better in person than it does on the video, I do think it gives a rough idea of the overall tone. Hope you enjoy.

https://www.box.com/s/388500d38e8b2603bc49

Since it looks like Box wants a person to download instead of stream, here it is on Youtube:
http://youtu.be/NGu36PcKW3w

hehe... You play pretty good standing on your head.
The banjo sounds great and the new head very much looks the part.