Bill Miller calfskin question - Discussion Forums

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ARCHIVED TOPIC: Bill Miller calfskin question

Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/204512

fuzzyacg - Posted - 04/14/2011: 03:36:49

Not sure which one to get. I'd like to try one on my goodtime. I'm torn between vellum and natural. I like the translucent of the natural. Currently I'm playing on a rennaisance head. Anybody here have a natural installed on their banjo? if so hows it sound? I play CH style and use nylgut strings.

Docmhc - Posted - 04/14/2011: 04:21:34

I have a calfskin head on my goodtime and it sounds great. I pick 3 finger style with metal strings.

jbalch - Posted - 04/14/2011: 04:51:00

The vellum processed skins are in-between the natural and bleached white...in terms of color and transparency. You will probably see some mottled and slightly clear spots on a vellum processed skin...just not as much as on a natural. Vellum processed hides seem a little stiffer and perhaps stronger to me. I like the sound and feel of them.

When it comes to natural hides, I like the look of them if they have some white spots and some translucent. I don't care for the ones that are completely translucent .

If you like the sound of a skin head, you will be pleased with either choice. Any dfference in sound is subtle...and unpredictable since these are each unique natural products.

Attached are some photos of a few natural skins (from different sources) and some Miller Vellum Processed hides I've installed. I hope the images illustrate some of the variation you might expect.

Best Wishes

Edited by - jbalch on 04/14/2011 04:52:12

Menzies Calfskin head on banjo Uke	Menzies non-bleached calfskin on Sagmoen banjo	calfskin on an unmarked tenor	Bill Miller vellum processed calfskin 2
Bill Miller vellum processed calfskin 3	Bill Miller vellum precessed skin head