The tension hoop holds the head on and gives the tension hooks something to grab onto. Most tension hoops are made from brass. Nickel plating is a common feature. Ring rolling, precision layout, brazing and other metal working skills are necessary for do-it-yourself tension hoops. For the most part, metal working skills are beyond the current scope of this resource. Most banjo builders with a foundation in woodworking skills buy a tension hoop. Buying a tension hoop is a fine way to get one, but may bring some woodworking challenge with it. The number and spacing of tension hook attachment sites are already defined with purchased notched and Van Eps style tension hoops.

Grooved Tension Hoops

The grooved tension hoop has a groove that runs around the top edge of the hoop. I find that flat hooks work best with this type of hoop. Round tension hooks can be used but may twist in the groove when the nuts are tightened. The grooved tension hoop allows for variable spacing of tension hooks. It is more forgiving of inconsistency in tension hook spacing. Tension hook spacing is determined by the spacing of shoe bolt holes. So if there is some lack of precision in the drilling of those holes, the grooved tension hoop is a good option because it has flexibility built into the design. I find that the grooved tension hoop can be more comfortable for my arm when playing for long periods of time.

Notched Tension Hoops

Notched hoops have notches cut into them along the top edge. Notched hoops use round hooks. The heads of the round hooks sit down in the notches. When buying a notched tension hoop, the number of hooks and their spacing are already defined by the maker of the hoop. The banjo builder must work to the predefined spacing of the notches when drilling shoe bolt holes. Hard and pokey edges may be present on the notched tension hoop and, if not addressed during build time, may make the finished instrument less comfortable to play. The builder can file down any sharp edges on a raw brass hoop if need be. Avoid filing edges on a nickel plated hoop, the plating is thin. Even a small amount of filing can cut through the plating and into the material underneath.

Rounded and Beveled Edge Tension Hoops

These types of tension hoops are neither grooved nor notched. Instead, they have a top edge that is either beveled or rounded. Flat tension hooks reach over the rounded or beveled top edge of the tension hoop. Like the grooved tension hoop, these accommodate variety in shoe bolt hole and tension hook spacing. I find this style of hoop to be more comfortable than the notched tension hoop.

Van Eps Tension Hoop

This type of tension hoop has holes for the tension hooks drilled into the side of the it. Round tension hooks work best for Van Eps style. The Van Eps has the precision of a notched tension hoop while also providing a more comfortable playing experience. The top edge of the hoop can be rounded over for comfort. The absence of notches on the top edge can make for greater player comfort.