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Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/268128
csbdr - Posted - 08/04/2013: 18:37:07
I have an old Supertone which has started to develop a tear. It has a VERY thin skin head which is translucent to the point you can see the dowel through it. I was wondering what you call this type of skin and where to get another one. I think having a head this thin gives this banjo a real liveliness which I want to replicate. Thanks for any help!
Jim D - Posted - 08/04/2013: 18:52:17
Request for skin heads + BHO = a recommendation for John Balch (BHO member... check his home page.)
Jim
csbdr - Posted - 08/04/2013: 19:34:18
I know elderly sells skin heads, but I am looking for this particularly thin type. Is there a name for them so I get what I want? Are these what are called "slunk" skin heads?
I'll definitely contact John.
csbdr - Posted - 08/05/2013: 09:27:21
Thanks Beegee. I'll check with them too. I actually like this head so much I may try to repairit first. its about a 2 inch tear right at the rim where the neck attaches. it doesnt seem to have compromised the sound yet. I might try superglue and some this hide on the back and see how it does.
csbdr - Posted - 08/05/2013: 09:31:54
After looking at some pictures on elderly I think whats on there now may be thin goatskin. Seems to be a pretty close match. It may be time for me to learn how to put a new skin head on....
dbrooks - Posted - 08/05/2013: 11:43:51
I will second the recommendation to check with John Balch. He is quite knowledge, eager to help others, and as solid an individual as you will find anywhere. John gets his skin heads from Stern (among others?),and he understands the differences in quality and attributes. John also sells them mounted or unmounted. Finally, he started a group on BHO for those interested in goat- and calf-skin heads.
David
jbalch - Posted - 08/05/2013: 12:53:35
Chris:
Your old Supertone was designed for a natural skin head. Nothing else will fit & work quite as well (IMHO). Many vintage banjo rims are odd-size and/or not perfectly round. The hardware is often designed so that modern plastic heads (with thick aluminum hoops) just don't fit well (without modifications). Mounting a fresh hide directly on the old rim is always best. It is not too difficult. You really should give it a go....
Elderly is a good source for economy hides. In my past experience with them, the $9.00 calfskins were mostly translucent (almost completely so). The goat skins are mottled. For your first attempt, I recommend ordering a slightly oversized hide. The extra material makes it easier to tuck the hide. I would choose a 16" skin for an 11" rim (18" for a larger size). This is not absolutely necessary - just helpful.
One piece of advice: don't set the initial crow too high. Allow room for the head to stretch after is is dry. Most hides will stretch 1/8 - 3/16" inch in crown height in the first few days after mounting. Setting a too-tall initial crown is probably the most common error.
BTW: I appreciate the recommendation from folks who posted. I sell pre-mounted heads in 11" and 12" sizes mostly to fit modern banjos.. I don't actively sell unmounted hides, but I do have a very nice supply and variety. I might be able to help you if you want. If you want to know what I have, please just send an e-mail through the BHO.
Here is my process: banjohangout.org/myhangout/pho...umid=6932
Here are some examples of different head types: banjohangout.org/myhangout/pho...umid=7464
Best wishes!
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