I'm a guitar tech working on a 1910 Windsor Zither for a friend. The head needs to be replaced. It is 9 inches. I'm not sure where I can find a 9" head. I doubt that I can buy an 11' and trim it down. They all seem to come integrated with the rim. Any suggestions for a source? Should I make one out of goat skin?
Also, the tailpiece for holding the strings is broken. Do you know a good source for Windsor parts?
Thanks
You'll need to get a skin to replace the head. I guess something like 13 inches would do so you have enough material to deal with. Here's a video on head replacement on a zither banjo.
youtube.com/watch?v=bRdPiju4bcs
Yes, you can buy a bigger skin and trim it down, that is how it is done...
quote:
Originally posted by croutmacgmailcomI'm a guitar tech working on a 1910 Windsor Zither for a friend. The head needs to be replaced. It is 9 inches. I'm not sure where I can find a 9" head. I doubt that I can buy an 11' and trim it down. They all seem to come integrated with the rim. Any suggestions for a source? Should I make one out of goat skin?
Also, the tailpiece for holding the strings is broken. Do you know a good source for Windsor parts?
Thanks
Your profile here doesn't contain much info. Where abouts on the planet are you?
You'll want a calfskin, not a goat skin. Calfskin is period correct, while goatskin is a newer contrivance that's rubbery and has inferior tone.
Make sure to string the zither banjo correctly. It should have a very light steel first string (.008"), a similarly light steel second string, a gut or nylon third string (try .028"), a wound fourth string (silver-plated copper wound over silk or nylon), and a steel (.008") fifth string.
quote:
Originally posted by csacwpYou'll want a calfskin, not a goat skin. Calfskin is period correct, while goatskin is a newer contrivance that's rubbery and has inferior tone.
Make sure to string the zither banjo correctly. It should have a very light steel first string (.008"), a similarly light steel second string, a gut or nylon third string (try .028"), a wound fourth string (silver-plated copper wound over silk or nylon), and a steel (.008") fifth string.
Thank you so much for your reply with such very helpful information. I wouldn't have guessed about the strings.
quote:
Originally posted by staceyzYes, you can buy a bigger skin and trim it down, that is how it is done...
Thank you very much for your reply
quote:
Originally posted by GrahamHawkerYou'll need to get a skin to replace the head. I guess something like 13 inches would do so you have enough material to deal with. Here's a video on head replacement on a zither banjo.
youtube.com/watch?v=bRdPiju4bcs
Thank you very much for your reply and the video.!
You can obtain all degrees of heads from Smakula Fretted Instruments
Hello Mike, and welcome to the Hangout!
Banjos are not guitars, and zither banjos are even more specialized/unique in requirements.
Sadly, many who are experts at guitar will take on banjo work thinking they will be able to apply their same guitar based skills.
When people ask about finding someone to repair a banjo I usually recommend that they feel out the repair person. In your case, not knowing how to string a zither banjo would be enough for me to find someone else, let alone you being willing to take on work that you don't know how to do (like rehead a banjo). Nothing like learning on a friend's instrument.
But in the case of zither banjos (which basically have no monetary value to speak of) I guess It does not really matter.
I have no doubt that you are a craftsman of the highest order on guitars, but consider your limitations about banjos.
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