dickinnorwich - Posted - 04/25/2011:  04:28:54

This weekend, I got a new hide head installed on an archtop. I'm trying to be very cautious about tightening it. Does anyone have a reasonable drum dial setting for a hide head? John Balch recommended that I tap tune it but it still sounds loose to me. After the initial installation, I'm at about 60#'s on my drum dial. What is suggested?

jbalch - Posted - 04/25/2011:  04:52:40

I linked this thread to the "Hide heads" group.  banjohangout.org/group/hideheads

Hopefully you will get some helpful responses.

As you know from our e-mails, my approach is by sound and feel (not very empirical).  One more thing I do to evaluate tightness is to inspect the head from the back side.  I look to see how much the bridge feet are sinking into the head.  I don't want to see too much of an impression of the bridge.  If the corners of the bridge feet are clearly visible (and easy to feel), I usually tighten a bit.

A good hide will take plenty of tension.  I think there is a tendency (mine too) to be timid tightening them at first.  I recommend tightening slowly and incrementally to avoid doing too-much-too fast.  But don't be afraid to tighten for a good sound.

Good luck with it.

Bart Veerman - Posted - 04/25/2011:  09:27:40

89 ~ 91 should work fine Dick

5strings3picks1banjo - Posted - 04/25/2011:  15:58:21

Once dried  I agree with Bart.

Couchie - Posted - 04/26/2011:  15:43:06

I have mine around 90.

5strings3picks1banjo - Posted - 04/27/2011:  05:04:58

Question- As the head surface is smaller due to the arch ring, would that normally be tuned tighter and will it have less deflection than an 11 inch head?

dickinnorwich - Posted - 04/27/2011:  06:11:26

quote:

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Originally posted by 5strings3picks1banjo

Question- As the head surface is smaller due to the arch ring, would that normally be tuned tighter and will it have less deflection than an 11 inch head?

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Guys:

It's been 4 days of gradual tightening and 70 is as tight as I'm able to get it. I think it's slipping down around the edges. Now what?

Kenneth Logsdon - Posted - 04/27/2011:  06:53:39

Hmmp... Sounds like its time to start over........

Kurt Kemp - Posted - 04/27/2011:  10:22:30

I am just starting the process of putting one on myself. I see what appears to be a cut, not a tear, where the hide goes over top of the tone ring. Is that an issue? should it be glued? I just got this head today.

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