crown height for medium thick heads

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For all things related to the use of SKIN BANJO HEADS. Calf, goat, possum, hairy, shaved, stained, pre-mounted. You name it.

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From dpgetman on 4/13/2025 9:05:26 AM

Hi folks,

I have a stack of really nicely mottled goat skins cut for banjo heads that are a bit on the thicker side (I am used to dealing with thinner heads). I was wondering if I should start with a crown height that is higher or lower with thicker heads, whether thicker heads would need more tightening, resulting in a higher crown height, or less compared to thinner heads. Any insights would be appreciated.

David

7 Comments
	Silver_Falls says: 4/13/2025 10:47:45 AM All else being equal, a thicker head will absorb more water during mounting prep, and will swell to a greater degree than a thinner head. Then, as the thicker head dries after mounting, it will tend to pull down more than a thinner head. To compensate for this, start the tension hoop at a higher point on the thicker head than you would for a thinner head. Then expect the tension hoop to pull down more as the head dries and you gradually pull the skin up to final tension. The thicker head will take longer to dry out than a thinner head. Moisture can still be in the area covered by the tension hoop well after the surface of the head feels dry. I don't know of any "scientific" way to quantify any of this exactly. Maybe others can help with their own experiences.
	dpgetman says: 4/13/2025 11:53:58 AM Thank you for your response, that is exactly what I expected to experience. I will follow the guidance that you suggest..
	dpgetman says: 4/13/2025 12:51:44 PM Thank you for your response, that is exactly what I expected to experience. I will follow the guidance that you suggest..
	Silver_Falls says: 4/14/2025 8:41:05 AM I've also found it helpful to wear a pair of gloves when mounting skin heads. Gives a better grip than bare-handed, allowing me to pull more taut and get the wrinkles out more cleanly. This can be especially advantageous when working with thicker skins, which can be difficult to manipulate, given their extra stiffness and tight clearances. No special gloves to suggest, I'm just using some basic pigskin work-type gloves for gardening and such.
	dpgetman says: 4/15/2025 6:59:13 AM Good suggestion. The installation went very smoothly, I went with a little less than 1/4" above where I wanted the ring to settle and will gradually bring it down.
	Silver_Falls says: 4/15/2025 3:14:57 PM Consider the first one "tuition", part of the learning process. Odds are the tension hoop will pull down more than you expect. 5/8" may have been better. Wait at least two weeks to fully dry, tension, and evaluate before going at the next one.
	Silver_Falls says: 4/15/2025 3:44:09 PM Edit: the above should read 3/8" rather than 5/8"
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