Posted by TD_Frailin on Thursday, April 18, 2013
I had to put the build on the backburner over the past few months, but I finally got around to working on it some more over the past week or so. The original gourd I had chosen was really big and round and I thought it was going to make a great sound but after I cut the top off and cleaned out the inside, I noticed a large crack developing down from the edge of the rim. So, I decided to go with one of my other, smaller gourds for now.
After I cut off the top of the gourd, I cleaned out the inside with a wire brush attachment on an electric drill, and then coated the inside and outside with a wood hardener product. I then went along the rim and marked off where I'd put my tacks. I started all of the tack holes with a small drill bit.
Here is the new gourd, prepped for the skin head:
I soaked the skin in a sink full of warm water for about 20 minutes, applied glue to the top of the gourd rim and around the edge between the tack holes and the rim. Then I started placing tacks opposite from each other until I had placed the first 12 tacks. I pulled the skin (but not too hard) as I placed each tack.
Here is the skin with the first 12 tacks in place:
After the first 12 tacks I didn't worry so much about pulling tight on the skin and started to fill in the spaces between the previous tacks.
Here is the head with all tacks in place:
I did my best to prevent bubbles or skin from bunching up, but there were a few problem areas. So, I went around with a flat edge of a butter knife and flattened them out as much as possible. I then placed a rubber band above and below the tack line. I let the glue settle for about an hour and trimmed the excess hide. I let the hide dry over night and it became very tight. I'm not sure if I fit it too tight or not, so I'll have to wait until I finish it and string it up.
Here is what the tacked head looks like when fitted to the neck:
I had enough time last night to carve a tail piece, finish reaming the peg holes to the correct diameter for the violin pegs, drill holes in the violin pegs, and cut a notch for the nut. Now all I have left to do is finish forming the heel, finish sanding the neck and tailpiece, apply a few coats of finish, and string it up. I will probably cut a small sound hole in the gourd, but I'm going to see how it sounds without one first.
4 comments on “First Gourd Banjo (update)”
Papa-Joe Says:
Friday, April 19, 2013 @7:48:52 AM
I want to make one of the gourd banjo's as a project once I retire. One or two more years. Can wait for you to let us know how is sounds.
TD_Frailin Says:
Friday, April 19, 2013 @8:17:34 PM
Papa-Joe - Sounds like a good plan. I don't really know what I'm doing and it's all trial and error at this point since it's my first attempt. I just enjoy the sound and style of gourd banjos, and I am trying to make something that is playable. I'll be sure to post some sounds when I finish this project.
TD_Frailin Says:
Sunday, April 21, 2013 @1:57:13 PM
Papa-Joe - First sound tests of this gourd banjo can be found here: soundcloud.com/tdbartnick/soun...urd-banjo
Papa-Joe Says:
Sunday, April 21, 2013 @3:50:35 PM
I like that sound. What a self rewarding experience making music on an instrument you made yourself. Very nice.
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