andyboyman - Posted - 06/08/2012:  08:11:57

This is probably a pretty easy fix, but I was wondering if any of you folks had some advice for loosening a stuck tension hoop. I've got a early 20th century tenor banjo with a skin head on it that has split, so I'm trying to put a new one on. The problem I'm experiencing is that the tension hoop and head that are on there are so tight that  I can't seem to budge it, and I don't want to use any prying tools that might damage the rim. It isn't a particularly valuable banjo, it was just my great grandad's and I play it quite a bit, but the head split during my last show and I need to get it functional again. Thanks for any advice!

--Andy

staronjeff - Posted - 06/08/2012:  09:05:09

did you try wetting the skin, it might help

andyboyman - Posted - 06/08/2012:  09:14:22

Thanks, I'll try that as soon as I get a chance.

maneckep - Posted - 06/08/2012:  10:39:01

I usually hold a block of wood on the underside of the hoop and wack it a few times with a hammer.  Work your way around the hoop so it comes up pretty evenly.

banjonz - Posted - 06/08/2012:  14:55:00

quote:

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Originally posted by maneckep

I usually hold a block of wood on the underside of the hoop and wack it a few times with a hammer.  Work your way around the hoop so it comes up pretty evenly.

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That would be my suggestion as well. It did work on a prewar tenor I once repaired.

jbalch - Posted - 06/08/2012:  17:29:18

I've used the wood block & hammer method too. 

But once you get it off, the real challange may be mounting another skin  - if the hoop is too tight.  You should probably start with a fairly thin piece if hide.

Good luck....

Edited by - jbalch on 06/08/2012 17:29:43

banjonz - Posted - 06/08/2012:  21:05:07

quote:

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Originally posted by jbalch

I've used the wood block & hammer method too. 

But once you get it off, the real challange may be mounting another skin  - if the hoop is too tight.  You should probably start with a fairly thin piece if hide.

 

Good luck....

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I concur with John. Some old banjos have to have a really thin vellum (hide head) installed as the dimensions between the rim and the tension band are so close, some modern vellums are just too think. I have struck this numerous times. The heads swell when wet and it is almost impossible to fit them. The heads that were available back then were the Jos' Rogers ones. They were extremely fine quality and really thin.

There are suppliers of quality heads in the USA  but they are not cheap. Folks here on the Hangout would know where to go.

Edited by - banjonz on 06/08/2012 21:06:13

oldtimefolkie - Posted - 06/09/2012:  05:59:38

I would think wetting the skin would cause it to swell and make it even harder to remove.  I could be wrong but the first time I installed a skin head I let it soak too long.  I couldn't get the tension hoop on it until it dried from about 1-2 hours.  Good luck!

Warren

andyboyman - Posted - 06/09/2012:  16:48:10

Thanks y'all! the hammer block method worked. I have a head labelled "thin" that I got from elderly, looks good and I've used their heads before, but never on a vintage instrument.....I'll try it and see if it works....I would use a mylar head or renaissance, but the rim is slightly smaller than a standard 11", and I haven't seen a head in that size. Thanks again!

jbalch - Posted - 06/10/2012:  08:19:36

Your" thin" hide should be OK. 

Before you soak it, you can smooth the surface with fine sandpaper if that helps.  

Don't soak it longer that necessary just to soften it a little ( a few seconds might be enough).  Less water means the hide will not swell as much.

Make sure your parts are all very clean too before re-assembling.  That will help reduce friction.

If you need a hide similar in quality for the old Rogers heads ... try Stern Tanning.  These are machine sanded for very even thickness and smooth surface.  sterntanning.com/percussion.htm

Edited by - jbalch on 06/10/2012 08:19:52