BigC - Posted - 09/27/2014:  08:52:20

Speaking from aesthetical point of view  I was just messin around with some images/text this afternoon of which I then superimposed them onto my GoldTone OB250 (banjo head)

Wouldn't it be fantastic to be able to re-produce something like this.....on your Banjo Head.

There are companies out there that deal with producing base drum logos for bands.....I wonder if they could do the same for Banjo Heads?..must enquire! 

I sure wouldn't mind this as a permanent feature on my banjo,

I may enhance this more with Sepia coloration to match wood tones on the banjo.

What you all think?

Regards

C

Edited by - BigC on 09/27/2014 09:20:57

Joe Connor - Posted - 09/27/2014:  09:22:21

It can be done. Deering sells a banjo head that replicates the famous inscription on Pete Seeger's banjo head.

deeringbanjos.com/products/thi...anjo-head

BigC - Posted - 09/27/2014:  09:39:35

Hopefully there is a process somewhere that can replicate something like this...Not a lover of the Deering version as I personally prefer something a little more subdued and blended to fit in with the instrument....in your face painting would not be my bag, rather some kind of photo-thermal image printing and fine lacquer coat.

Regards

C

Edited by - BigC on 09/27/2014 09:40:36

jbalch - Posted - 09/27/2014:  09:49:02

There is a group on the BHO called "banjo head decoration". I linked this to that group for more input. Best wishes!

BigC - Posted - 09/27/2014:  09:58:15

*{There is a group on the BHO called "banjo head decoration". I linked this to that group for more input. Best wishes!}

Thank You....

I think I may have a solution or maybe a starting point for DIY purpose

Needs a little ingenuity and testing

Watch this space!....

Edited by - BigC on 09/27/2014 10:03:32

BDCA - Posted - 09/27/2014:  10:22:56

I am a partner in an international  digital wide format printing business. There are flat bed printers that use UV set dyes that could print whatever you want in full color.

Cya!

Bob

BigC - Posted - 09/27/2014:  10:52:16

A man of many talents Bob...lol...is this idea achievable and colorfast on a banjo head using the process you describe?

Regards

C

BDCA - Posted - 09/27/2014:  12:33:59

Absolutely! !

BigC - Posted - 09/27/2014:  12:47:39

This is looking like a little earner for some one with your capabilities and connections Bob...do I get a job...lol

OK what would it take to produce something along those lines and at what cost....lol

BDCA - Posted - 09/27/2014:  13:23:10

We don't use flat bed printers because all our production is shipped worldwide. Cost should be +- $5 and would be weather proof. Best to print on the bottom on a white or clear head.

Cya!

Bob

BigC - Posted - 09/27/2014:  13:55:07

I've located a company in Belfast who utilize all kinds of printing methods, one of them being flatbed uv, onto any surface.

I will contact them shortly with a view to having this design made up.

Hopefully they can accommodate this job

Thanks for the pointers Bob



Regards

C

Edited by - BigC on 09/27/2014 13:56:13

Blackjaxe47 - Posted - 09/27/2014:  14:00:44

Most sign companies these days have gone digital. Nobody uses real well trained sign painters anymore, I worked for many different sign companies up here in Canada and thats the way it went. Anyways I would look for a sign company that uses the technology with large format printers, they can print on clear mylar with a adhesive backing, with any image you want. Print in reverse , use a clear mylar head. It will be cut to size already so basically all you have to do is give them the head and let them apply it....the image is under the playing surface so it will not get damaged. I have to also add that you will be increasing the thickness of the head and it will affect the tone of your banjo so take that into consideration before hand.



Regards

Edited by - Blackjaxe47 on 09/27/2014 14:02:13

BigC - Posted - 09/27/2014:  14:40:04

Taken on-board what you are saying Blackjaxe47 and I'm aware of the increased thickness. I will put all these queries and concerns to the company and see what they can offer as the best way forward.... I don't want anything that jumps into your face but something subdued perhaps in a mild Sepia tone
pencil line sketch.....I wouldn't be interested in gaudy colours, just my opinion. I'll email them as soon as I can and see if we can proceed with something that won't overly stifle the sound of the instrument.
Let you know how I get on.

BDCA - Posted - 09/27/2014:  14:56:05

quote:

---

Originally posted by Blackjaxe47

Most sign companies these days have gone digital. Nobody uses real well trained sign painters anymore, I worked for many different sign companies up here in Canada and thats the way it went. Anyways I would look for a sign company that uses the technology with large format printers, they can print on clear mylar with a adhesive backing, with any image you want. Print in reverse , use a clear mylar head. It will be cut to size already so basically all you have to do is give them the head and let them apply it....the image is under the playing surface so it will not get damaged. I have to also add that you will be increasing the thickness of the head and it will affect the tone of your banjo so take that into consideration before hand.



Regards

---

The flat bets will print direct to the mylar minimizing any added thickness.

BDCA - Posted - 09/28/2014:  03:11:56

Also you will have to make an 11" form for the heads to provide a flat, even surface

Cya!

Bob

Mr Banjolele - Posted - 09/28/2014:  03:37:11

I've used a T shirt transfer material printed from my home computer. Just be careful applying heat to affix transfer. I removed the strings but left the head in place. This a picture of my banjolele. 

aulddawg - Posted - 10/27/2014:  16:50:18

Well, the original post was a month ago so the OP may have already solved their problem, but good ideas bear repeating.  An earlier thread had a link to a company which does stage art and prints band logos on drumheads.  The first link is to the artist Brady Scott who has several designs for banjo head art, along with an option to design your own art(lower right corner of page):  bradyscott.weebly.com/banjo-head-art.html .  Check out Brady's BHO member page for more examples.

The company which prints these logos is Woodshed Stage Art, who also offer a temporary cling-on decal for non-permanent applications:  woodshedstageart.com/products/cling-ons/ .  I like this idea in principle, but I wonder if it would leave glue residue on the banjo head.  Also the thickness will affect the tone, not sure how much.

I wonder if temporary transfer tatoo art would work.  Seems like it would stick to a skin head, but again there's the possibility of damage.  Given the resurgence in banjoleles which often have head art,  I'm surprised there aren't more options out there.