revellfa - Posted - 02/24/2012:  06:49:35

Just wondering what kind of skins are available out there?  I have mounted some Stew Mac calfskin heads.  The skin head on my old Kalamazoo seemed to be a lot thicker than the Stew Mac ones.

Fathand - Posted - 02/24/2012:  07:18:23

I have good luck with the heads from Elderly

Quartermaster James - Posted - 02/24/2012:  08:30:42

Do you want thick?

I've been quite well pleased with the heads Bill Miller sells (banjoseen.us/Store/index.html).

Check his Q&A section for info about head thickness.

But, if you're set on thick, try Mid-East Mfg (mid-east.com/items.asp?Cc=Skin&Bc=).

For more options, check out this thread: banjohangout.org/topic/228815

PS: I'm linking this to the Hide Head group.

Edited by - Quartermaster James on 02/24/2012 08:44:52

jacktraylor - Posted - 02/24/2012:  09:15:30

I purchased a pre-mounted calf skin head from Bill Miller about a month ago and am very pleased with it and the service provided through banjoseen. That said, there have been whispers here on BHO about Bill Miller's health. Does anyone have any information concerning this matter?
Thanks,
Jack

shannonhearne - Posted - 02/24/2012:  10:37:21

I suggest you check with John Balch. He is a BHO member, and is probably the "resident expert" on all things pertaining to skin/hyde banjo heads.

He is also a very nice guy and an excellent player.

Good Luck, - shannon

jbalch - Posted - 02/24/2012:  14:37:01

Thanks Shannon:

I'm not really a hide head expert...but I play one on the BHO.

If you want a thicker skin, I recommend Mid-East mid-east.com/items.asp?Cc=Skin&Bc=  or Jeff Menzies jeffreymenzies.com/ I just got a batch of medium-thick unbleached goatskin from Jeff.  It was all very good (I need to order more). See below:

Be careful not to go too thick.  Those can be difficult (or impossible) to mount unless you have a lot of clearance between the tension hoop and rim.    A good "medium" hide is usually plenty thick.  If you order form Jeff, just ask him to pick a good, sturdy (thiicker) hide.

Bill Miller's heads are great too.  I use them often.  But Bill tends to offer heads that are thinner. 

Check out our hide heads group:  banjohangout.org/group/hideheads

Edited by - jbalch on 02/24/2012 14:38:56

Jeff Menzies Goat hide on a Reiter Bacophone-Plus

Quartermaster James - Posted - 02/24/2012:  16:37:57

quote:

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Originally posted by jacktraylor

That said, there have been whispers here on BHO about Bill Miller's health. Does anyone have any information concerning this matter?

 

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I can't speak about Mr. Miller's health per se, but I just just placed an order that shipped earlier this week.