C Nyal de Kaye - Posted - 12/11/2012:  21:13:13

Is there a right and wrong side of a calf and or goat skin head please?  I've got both.

If so, how do you recognise which side is which

and

what side goes on the top?

Help please!

banjonz - Posted - 12/11/2012:  21:58:55

I think it will vary depending on the head itself. Mostly though there is a smooth side and a not so smooth side. It is quite subjective. Which side looks better to your eye. That's how I assess it. Others will add thier opinions.

C Nyal de Kaye - Posted - 12/11/2012:  23:19:01

Thanks for your reply banjonz.

TX2AK - Posted - 12/12/2012:  01:24:25

I think it's up to you. Don't know of any functional reason aside from taste: the smooth side is quieter when your thumb contacts the head, the rough is more like a frosted top (though not nearly as harsh on the hides if had). The rough side seems to gather a little more grime, so if you like or dislike that look, it may be a small consideration.

rcmoore - Posted - 12/12/2012:  05:57:34

Usually on one side you can see where the flesh has been skived off the skin.  On the other side you can see where the hair has been removed.  Which ever side you decide to face upward; it would behoove you to mark it in some way before you get it wet.  I find it nearly impossible to tell the difference when the skin is wet. I prefer to have the smoother hair side facing up for the same reasons as already posted.  All of the old skins I have removed also had the hair side facing upward.  John Balch is the resident expert on skin heads.  Maybe he will chime in.

Bob Moore

jbalch - Posted - 12/12/2012:  05:59:23

My preferred way to mount hides is with the "grain" side on top.  That is the natural orientation. This side of the skin was facing out.  Hairs, hair follicles or pores may be visible.

The "flesh" side can have remnants of the fatty membrane (inner layers of the skin) that may appear softer.  Depending on how the hide was harvested and processed, the membranes on the flesh side may be uneven.  After the head is stretched and dried - this surface may feel more textured - even rough.

I usually mark the top side before I wet the hide.  That makes it easier to get it right in the mounting process.  But if you have trouble determining which side is which - after it is wet - scratch each side a little with your fingernail.  The flesh side will be softer and fleshy membrane will be discernable that way.

I occasionally mount the flesh side on top - especially on stained heads.  The fatty membranes often absorb the color more vibrantly than the top (grain) side.  That is a just an aesthetic choice.

I don't think the orientation makes any difference in sound or durability ....I've used them mounted both way for several years.

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

Edited by - jbalch on 12/12/2012 06:05:08