jbalch - Posted - 02/02/2012:  17:48:43

Jeff Menzies has been offering a special price on un-bleached goat skins (see: banjohangout.org/classified/26175)

I bought some and installed the first of them today.  They are very good looking heads. 

Edited by - jbalch on 02/02/2012 17:48:59

J-Walk - Posted - 02/02/2012:  18:53:54

Any idea where he gets them from? I always assumed most sellers get them from here:

mid-east.com/items.asp?Tp=&...=Goatskin

It's all relative, of course, but I've had better luck with "thin" rather than "medium" thickness. But still, that's a good price for hand-picked skins.

jbalch - Posted - 02/02/2012:  19:16:59

I've ordered from Mid East before with good results.  Their prices seem higher than they usd to be.  I think his deal from Jeff is less expensive (when you consider he is offering free shipping).  Plus, I asked Jeff to pick me some "good" ones.  I'm very happy with what he sent.

I don't know where Jeff sources these goat hides.  But I do know for a fact that he has other sources for some of the skins he sells. 

Not everyone needs five (5) heads at one time.  But I seem to find banjos that need them.  I installed two  skins for a friend today.  I've got two more of my own that I want to replace very soon.  I seem to go through my supply pretty quickly. I've always been pleased with my purchases from Jeff.

Edited by - jbalch on 02/02/2012 19:17:53

Banjolution - Posted - 02/02/2012:  19:19:09

5 for 80,is 16 bux each. Same price as Bill Miller. Does not seem like much of a sale to me. What does Jeff usually sell these for?

 Does Menzies Stringed Instruments store still exist? Cant seem to find the site anymore.

jbalch - Posted - 02/03/2012:  04:27:27

It is $80 Canadian.  I paid about US$78 for five hides including shipping.  Shipping usually adds up to $6.00 per hide. True...he is not giving them away...but it is a good price.

Also...these are large diameter 18" hides.  The extra size is helpful when mounting. And I'm pleased with the quality.

I've bought dozens-and-dozens of hides from all kinds of suppliers.  In my experience this is a good deal....and Jeff is a great guy to do business with....just sayin'  So if you need a few good goat hides.  I recommend these.

 I think Jeff only maintains the banjo site now:  jeffreymenzies.com/

Edited by - jbalch on 02/03/2012 04:30:56

jbalch - Posted - 02/04/2012:  10:22:11

Here is one newly mounted on my Reiter 12" Tnternal resonator banjo:

DEmery - Posted - 02/04/2012:  15:25:06

I like the heads with random clear spots. How does it sound now that it is settling? David E.

jbalch - Posted - 02/04/2012:  15:57:36

David: I'll tell you tomorrow.  It is still drying tonight. 

This hide was a little thicker than the ones we installed to your house.  I don't know how it will sound. I hope it is a good choice for this banjo with the new Rickard/Dobson tone ring.