hillbillybjopkr - Posted - 07/08/2012:  20:48:13

ok...i'm sure it's been posted millions of time's befor...but how do you mount a hide head....or would it be easier to find someone who can do it....I unfortinuatly live in a banjo/musicically stagnant area....i'm at least a hours drive from any luthiers in all directions...any advice

banjered - Posted - 07/08/2012:  21:45:22

try the search engine in the upper right corner

John Bowlin - Posted - 07/08/2012:  22:41:59

Hi Michael,

If you have never put a skin head on a banjo, I suggest you drive over the hill to Cripple Creek music in Ashland. I'm sure they can help you get it done.

I've done hundreds of them, but still remember the first time as a terrible nightmare. Maybe you will meat someone that will be willing to show you how its done, I wish I still lived in Ashland, Oregon But I now live in Vancouver, WA. so will not be any help to you.

There are several step by step postings with pictures in the Banjo Hangout archives.

Good luck to you,

John Bowlin

Bart McNeil - Posted - 07/09/2012:  01:00:48

follow the instructions carefully. Everything is reversable until you come to the trimming part.... If you get in trouble you can always remove it, rewet it and try again until you get it right for trimming. remember that your only concern is to get it wrinkle free. The drying skin shrinking will do the real job of stretching the skin. It is really not difficult.

jbalch - Posted - 07/09/2012:  05:15:05

Hello Michael:  Check out the Hide Heads group. banjohangout.org/group/hideheads  There are lots of discussions and photos linked there. 

The late Bill Miller's instruction pdf is still available at his site:  banjoseen.us/Calfskin/HowToIin...fSkin.pdf

Gordy Ohliger - Posted - 07/09/2012:  08:24:56

Don't be afraid of it.
With my first one; I had no instructions nor a mentor, I just figured it out. I soaked the skin for 3/4 of a day!
My second one was an ordeal, cuz the dang thing kept getting wrinkled at the edge...but I was successful. I looked at the helpful step-by-step instructions here....and you will just zoom along.
Be aware that as soon as you start, give it all your focus, as it is drying and getting stiffer. Also as soon as you start, the mosquitoes will come out in force.

Trimmin' the head

Ant Hill Music - Posted - 07/09/2012:  11:51:49

Hello! Just saw your post and would like to offer some help.

We made a video for youtube recently about installing our calf skins onto a vintage banjolele. It uses all the same basic methods as used on most banjos. Hope this will help you! 

youtu.be/EtUFFCYFzXw

Thanks! -AntHillMusic.com

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Originally posted by hillbillybjopkr

ok...i'm sure it's been posted millions of time's befor...but how do you mount a hide head....or would it be easier to find someone who can do it....I unfortinuatly live in a banjo/musicically stagnant area....i'm at least a hours drive from any luthiers in all directions...any advice

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mworden - Posted - 07/09/2012:  12:21:36

I appreciate the effort that went into making that video but I had to stop it after less than a minute because the voice over was making my toes curl.

quote:

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Originally posted by Ant Hill Music

Hello! Just saw your post and would like to offer some help.

We made a video for youtube recently about installing our calf skins onto a vintage banjolele. It uses all the same basic methods as used on most banjos. Hope this will help you! 

youtu.be/EtUFFCYFzXw

Thanks! -AntHillMusic.com

quote

:

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Originally posted by hillbillybjopkr

ok...i'm sure it's been posted millions of time's befor...but how do you mount a hide head....or would it be easier to find someone who can do it....I unfortinuatly live in a banjo/musicically stagnant area....i'm at least a hours drive from any luthiers in all directions...any advice

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