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AnotherRick - Posted - 03/20/2021: 19:57:00
I just got a Washington branded Slingerland 24 banjolele that I’m starting to clean up, but I just noticed something I haven’t personally seen before, nor can I find anything on this. I noticed that the skin head was attached to the flesh hoop via stitching, as opposed to the usual tuck and up through the tension ring. The stitches have long since fallen apart. When I get this back together, is it still possible to use this head as such, or should I just get a new head and stretch it the typical way?
tdennis - Posted - 03/20/2021: 20:30:22
Tears & holes tend to grow, especially when they are under the tensions near the crown & hoop. Since you have your banjo apart, it would be better to start w/ a fresh, quality skin. This will also give you more confidence in the integrity of your instrument.
Edited by - tdennis on 03/20/2021 20:31:25
AnotherRick - Posted - 03/20/2021: 21:01:58
That’s what I was wondering, looking closer at the head. I’m thinking maybe a medium thickness, or would a different thickness skin be better for a banjolele? I know Elderly carries goat and cowhide skins for reasonable prices, unless there are better sources? Thoughts?
That said, was this style of attaching it to the hoop ever common? Questions, questions, questions! ??
tdennis - Posted - 03/20/2021: 21:56:16
I've seen this quite commonly on turn of the century percussion, but only occasionally on banjos.
G Edward Porgie - Posted - 03/21/2021: 06:53:59
I'm guessing this was some former owner's half fast repair.
Get a new head. That old one has had it.
AnotherRick - Posted - 03/21/2021: 13:00:17
Yeah, I think I’m going to order a new skin this week. This head gave great service at one time, but the more I look at it, it’s clearly time to retire it. Now I just need to decide on calf or goat.
tdennis - Posted - 03/21/2021: 13:16:33
A quality thin goat or calf will serve you equally well, sonically. The only choice may be how each appeals to you aesthetically.
G Edward Porgie - Posted - 03/21/2021: 14:15:50
I've used the Elderly cheapo calfskins several times with good results. They do tend to be a little splotchy color-wise, but sound fine.
mike gregory - Posted - 03/21/2021: 14:50:11
quote:
Originally posted by AnotherRick
Yeah, I think I’m going to order a new skin this week. This head gave great service at one time, but the more I look at it, it’s clearly time to retire it. Now I just need to decide on calf or goat.
"I vote GOAT"
" I vote CALF!"
"I vote SYNTHETIC"
AnotherRick - Posted - 03/21/2021: 15:02:03
That was worth the laugh, Mike! :-)
