Mounted or unmounted. John Balch appears to be sold out, according to his website. Where else are people going for good quality goatskins?
His website says "7/13/2024: I'm temporarily suspending new orders briefly - due to a family medical situation. Expect to re-open in just a few days. THANKS for your patience. E-mail if you have questions." I believe that is why he is showing out of stock for everything and that's his way of suspending new orders. FWIW, I had ordered from him in early June, he shipped on Thursday, and I received yesterday (Friday, but then again I only live about 20 miles away from him, so one day via USPS would be expected). So, I don't think he is actually out of stock. As I recall, I think his FAQ says his normal turn around time is about 4 weeks. I'd give him a little more time unless you absolutely have to get a goatskin head immediately.
I bought a great unmounted goatskin head from Bob Smakula.
Edited by - restreet on 07/28/2024 06:56:20
There is a new guy on REVERB Get-a-head banjo selling some beautiful stained and mounted stretched heads.
reverb.com/item/83860348-goat-...=83860348
It’s a unique head - I just purchased 2 !!!!
This might be a new great source of heads that are pre-stretched
I temporarily stopped taking orders due to a serious medical situation. My elderly Mother's late stage cancer required recent hospitalization. I simply didn't want to get too far behind.
I expect to resume taking new orders very soon (likely next week).
Thanks for your patience!
John Balch
I have no experience from any vendor but John Balch. First met him at a banjo camp in Joelton TN several years ago. Then recently bought a 12" goat skin from him for my Gold Tone B C-350. Had some trouble fitting it, and since he's not that far from where our son lives, he said that, next time I was there, to bring my banjo and the head to his house and he would fit it for me. Can't beat that kind of attention to service!
And John, sorry to hear about your mom; thoughts are with you and yours.
Mickey
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