TLG - Posted - 02/13/2009:  10:35:19

I am repairing a 1932/33 Gibson tenor banjo. The old head looks like a cloth/mesh looking material with a stamp lable in a circle : DRUM HEAD Co. of AMERICA, Pat. Pending , Pgh., Pa
Any one seen these heads before or know anything about the head company ?
Thanks, Tommy

mralston - Posted - 02/13/2009:  11:46:24

Hi Tommy -

Nope, never seen a head like the one you describe.


Here's a little info from the Wikipedia Patents site:

GB469932
http://www.wikipatents.com/gb/469932.html

Inventor(s) not available
Abstract Abstract of GB469932 469,932. Drums, banjoes, &c.; coated fabrics; compound fabrics. LOGAN, G. H., and DRUMHEAD CO. OF AMERICA. Oct. 29, 1935, No. 29806. Drawings to Specification. [Class 88 (ii)] [Also in Group VIII] A waterproofed and strengthened head of a drum, tambourine, banjo, &c. is made by permeating a stretched sheet of fabric, e.g. linen or silk, with a cellulosic solution, such as cellulose acetate dissolved in acetone, to form a structure like pyroxylin or celluloid on drying. Preferably, dibutyl or diamyl phthalate, triphenyl phosphate, castor oil or other vegetable or lubricating oil, or glycerine, is added as a plasticizer to prevent the cellulose ingredient from becoming too brittle. Two or more layers of fabric may be superposed and bonded together by brushing or spraying. Designs may be applied to inner surfaces. Marginal reinforcements of skin may be added. Reference has been directed by the Comptroller to Specifications 14170/90, [Class 88], 398,156, and 426,397, [both in Group VIII].


Mark Ralston

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Banjoman - Posted - 02/13/2009:  11:49:55

Is it a little like this?

http://www.silentbanjo.com/

Hugh
Picking since 1964

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