scooter46 - Posted - 02/10/2012:  16:36:21

The Lyon & Healy I bought arrived today, I think it has a skin head on it that I think is to tight. I checked it with a drum dial and it reads 85 to 95. How do l correct this or do I have to buy a new head. Larry

Quartermaster James - Posted - 02/10/2012:  16:54:24

Is there some reason you can't just back off the nuts 1/16th-1/4 turn?

Edited by - Quartermaster James on 02/10/2012 16:54:50

tdennis - Posted - 02/10/2012:  17:57:38

Skin heads can change on a daily/weekly/ seasonal basis.  With an open back banjo it's easy to adjust.  You'll get used to it, & the sound will make it worth the extra effort.  

banjonz - Posted - 02/10/2012:  17:59:20

quote:

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Originally posted by Quartermaster James

Is there some reason you can't just back off the nuts 1/16th-1/4 turn?

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Sometimes backing off the nuts doesn't work. I have seen old banjos with the head 'bonded' to the rim due to being on there so long. Somehow the skin sort of sticks to the metal rim due to pressure and possibly moisture.

tdennis - Posted - 02/10/2012:  18:30:40

If the head is stuck to the rim ,it can be easily fixed.  Disassemble the hooks , & hoop, & carefully pry off the head.  The  upper rim & bearing edge  will then have to be thoroughly cleaned of dirt, oils & skin residue.  The area of the head collar/crown  may also have to be carefully cleaned to remove built up residue.  

scooter46 - Posted - 02/10/2012:  20:55:28

If I take the head off then put it back on won't it go to the same place it is now, the hooks aren't all that tight. Is there some way when I take it off to kind of shrink it a little.  Larry

rcmoore - Posted - 02/10/2012:  21:21:15

I've had that problem with some older skin heads mainly on spunover rims. Corrosion forms beneath the head under the tension hoop and essentially glues the head to the rim. If you follow tdennis' instructions, you will almost certainly cure the problem. You will then be able to adjust the tension using the tension hooks.
Bob Moore