Tuesday, January 15, 2019
JDBALCH pre-mounted HIDE BANJO HEADS - 2019 Price List
Grade of hide: (see descriptions below) Price us$
- Stern Tanning Premium Calf 11" $ 100.00 - out of stock please email for availability
- Stern Tanning Premium Calf 12" $ 110.00 - out of stock please email for availability
- Stern Hides are in limited supply - please e-mail for availability
- JDBalch SPECIAL Select mottled Calf $ 85.00 Supply is limited - email for availability
- JDBalch FuZZy Goat hide with HAIR $ 80.00
- JDBalch SPECIAL Select Goat $ 75.00
- JDBalch 4-star Goat $ 65.00
- JDBalch 3-star Goat $ 55.00
These prices are for a complete, pre-mounted head. Waterproofer spray (on request) & hand-applied wax offered at no extra charge.
See below for detailed descriptions of all grades. All grades and options subject to availability - please contact me for current stock.
A free case sticker is included with each head order.
Options & add-ons: (see details below) Price us$
- Coffee Stain (includes oil finish) $ 15.00
- Hard Oil Finish (on unstained head) $ 10.00
- Spiral Wound Flesh Hoop $ 12.00
- Sheepskin banjo stuffer $ 5.00
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- USA domestic postage (1st class) $ 6.00
- International postage contact for quote
Supplies: Price us$
- Semi-finished flesh hoop – sq. brass $ 10.00
- Unmounted goat hide (18" round) $ 18.00
Pre-mounted head sizes:
- 10 15/16” (Vega)
- 11”
- 11 13/16” (Vega)
- 12”
Other sizes are available only as custom-mounted heads. This requires shipping your rim for fitting (including tone ring, tension hoop, & hooks & nuts). Cost is the same as a pre-mount – plus the actual return postage. Contact me for details and arrangements. NOTE: due to problems with breakage of inferior hardware and high cost of replacement parts, I no longer can install heads on Eastman Whyte Laydie banjos (sorry).
Check the Classifieds for finished heads ready to ship: http://www.banjohangout.org/classifieds/search.asp?m=byposter&v=1896
Grades - details:
Premium (calf ) - Stern Tanning Co. Stern tanning produces highest-grade, machine-sanded, calf hides. Stern hides feature precise, even, thickness (for optimum tonal response). These are comparable to the best heads of the bygone era. Availability is very limited. NOTE: Stern hides are natural (unbleached). This is preferred because chemical whiteners may weaken the hide. Most Stern calfskins exhibit some degree of natural mottling and/or coloration. Stern calfskins may not be stained or oil finished. Wax treatment is included at no extra cost. Please contact me with any questions.
JDBalch 5-star SPECIAL Select Calf These hides are specially chosen for thickness and texture. Calfskin is generally very sturdy and reliable. They produce rich, throaty tone. Most are mottled with mix of clear and opaque areas.
JDBalch SPECIAL Select Goat heads are individually chosen for unique appearance. They are the best of the 4-star grade hide heads. Most are mottled with a mix of translucent opaque areas. They are offered as available and supply is limited.
JDBalch FuZZy Goat hide with HAIR Un-shaved natural goat hide. Hair is trimmed. Length and thickness of hair will vary. Colors available in a wide range. Sound is slightly muted compared to shaved hides. Tone is very good! See links below for comparison samples:
Bart Reiter Bacophone-plus – Fuzzy hide head: http://www.banjohangout.org/myhangout/media-player/audio_player2.asp?musicid=753&archived=
Bart Reiter Bacophone-plus – Shaved hide head: http://www.banjohangout.org/myhangout/media-player/audio_player2.asp?musicid=752&archived=
JDBalch 4-star goat heads are my preferred and most popular grade. 4-star heads are selected for good thickness, and attractive appearance. 4-star heads may have inconsequential cosmetic blemishes or flaws.
JDBalch 3-star goat or calfskin heads are standard quality. These are reliable heads that sound very good. 3-star heads will have natural cosmetic blemishes, slight variations in thickness, or small flaws that should not affect integrity or performance.
Options & add ons:
Stain – Coffee, Tea, or natural walnut extract (when available). Staining includes the application of the Hard Oil finish as described below – no extra cost.
Hard Oil finish (for unstained heads) – a mulit-step, hand applied finish designed to enhance appearance and significantly improve stability.
Spiral Wound Flesh hoop. – a fiber wrapping designed to improve the grip of the hide around a round brass hoop. I personally use and prefer these hoops. See here: http://www.hangoutstorage.com/banjohangout.org/storage/photos/large/18/1896-454772162015.jpg
Sheepskin Stuffer – small piece of sheepskin with the hair on. Useful and very effective to control overtones. Color, size and shape will vary. E-mail for availability.
Payment is accepted by PayPal, check or cash (in person). Contact me for instructions.
Installation video: How to install a pre mounted JDBalch hide banjo head - YouTube
Photos of various types here: http://www.banjohangout.org/myhangout/photos.asp?id=1896&albumid=7464
Daily photos of new heads are available in INSTAGRAM at: #hidebanjoheads
Prices effective 01/01/2019 - subject to change
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