XXXris - Posted - 03/28/2012:  21:16:39

Hi Folks:

I'm fiddling around fixing up an old banjo, and am planning to put on a vellum processed skin head. I am thinking about dying this one; I like the mottled look that some folks are able to get. I know we have discussed this here and there, but I'd be interested in hearing more on:

1) What sort of dyes or stains you have had success with: transtint dyes? oil based stains? coffee?

2) Did you put the dye on with the head wet or dry?

3) Any experiences with dying vellum type heads?

Thanks in advance....

Chris

BDCA - Posted - 03/29/2012:  03:51:12

I have had inadvertent "success" with a goatskin head on an Irish drum (bodhran). Don't forget tea, probably preferable to coffee as it is heavy in tannins. I have Guinness stains as well which may have the desired effect, though a sinful waste of  Guinness.

Cya!

Bob

jbalch - Posted - 03/29/2012:  04:56:03

The "mottled" look (alternating areas of white, brown & transluscence) occurs naturally in some hides.  If I understand correctly, some of processing methods diminish the mottled appearance. I think some hides are scraped (or sanded) and then bleached for a more event white appearance.

I must admit not knowing exactly what kind of treatment is done the "vellum-processed." hides.  But some of those that I've bought from Bill Miller in the past do retain a slightly mottled appearance. However, many un-bleached goat and calf hides have much more natural color variation.

Others have more experience dying hides than I do.  I'll defer to them for advice on that.  But I think if you want a mottled appearance, I think you should start with a skin that naurally looks that way.  The stain will simply increase the contrast and highlight the natural look.

 I'm linking this to the hide heads group: banjohangout.org/group/hideheads

Edited by - jbalch on 03/29/2012 05:10:31

Bill Miller vellum precessed skin head

Jeff Menzies unbleached goat hide mounted Feb 12 2012 3

Menzies non-bleached calfskin on Sagmoen banjo

Bill Miller bleached Goat Skin

rudy - Posted - 03/29/2012:  05:08:57

I recently did a Goldtone pre-mount, strong coffee applied when the skin was wet.  It came out OK, but I like the look of the more unprocessed hides better.

Full view Hide Head Dobson

DEmery - Posted - 03/29/2012:  06:51:59

I haven't dyed a head but enjoy the result if subtle or coordinates with the stain tones used in the overall banjo. Attached is a photo of a goat skin head Lee Sproull dyed on one of my banjos. The effect is really nice. By the way, Lee shared that he used either coffee or tea...I cannot recall which. I agree with John that the natural appearance of a nice skin with its mottled patterns is hard to beat. A couple of other examples are included. David E.

Goshen by Dan Knowles

Goshen buit by Dan Knowles

J.L. Sproull Woody #005

J.L. Sproull Woody #005

XXXris - Posted - 03/30/2012:  21:33:09

Thanks for the advice folks. I think John is right. If I dye my "vellum processed" head, it is going to look blotchy rather than awesome. I'll save this for the next one I'm tinkering on.

David: that "Goshen" is stunning. The story + the checked finish is brilliant...