kenbloom - Posted - 02/16/2017:  13:17:47

I inherited a banjo that was owned by Pete Seeger and given to my mother-in-law by Pete when she was a child (early 50s). The skin is autographed in ink along with a sketch of a banjo that Pete drew for her. Unfortunately, the skin is torn at the frame (from tension over the years I assume). I know nothing about banjos so I have not done anything with it other than to loosen the tension to prevent any further tearing of the autographed skin. Is there a way to repair the skin so that the banjo could be displayed with Pete's signature? I do not plan to attempt this repair myself so if you could recommend a restoration expert that could do this I would greatly appreciate it. I live in Michigan. Thank you 

Bob Smakula - Posted - 02/16/2017:  13:25:31

The few times I have had to repair a skin banjo head, I glue calfskin behind the tear. I did it to my favorite 12" banjo with a vintage head and it's still good 5 years later. I use thin super glue for the adhesive.

mainejohn - Posted - 02/16/2017:  13:25:48

I've never had any success in repairing a torn skin head other than patching a hole or two. You have described a banjo that will spark a lot of interest here on BHO, considering the provenance that you claim it possesses. I'm sure there are plenty of folks here that would love to see some photos of your banjo, and perhaps there is someone here who can help you with your repair issue.

jbalch - Posted - 02/16/2017:  14:01:00

Repairing for display under minimal tension should definitely be possible.

I agree with Bob - I've repaired hide heads before by using super glue to attach a skin patch to the underneath side.  I've repaired small spots and even tears and used the heads for years following.

BUT - it is important not to saturate the hide with the super glue.  You run the risk of the glue penetrating the top and staining it.  That could damage or ruin the autograph.

Might help if you post photos is the head on the forum.  Would be easier to advise if we could see the extent of the damage.

Best Wishes!

Edited by - jbalch on 02/16/2017 14:02:08

RioStat - Posted - 02/16/2017:  14:57:08

Have the autographed head framed, and hang it on the wall for display.
Put a new head on the banjo and play it.

rbergesch - Posted - 02/16/2017:  15:20:09

I would be concerned that the solvent in Superglue recommended above would migrate and cause the ink to run, detracting from the signature.

I have a head from a banjo on which I have some important (to me at any rate,) signatures which I have retired from active service on a banjo, partially because it was time for a new head but more importantly to protect the signatures.  I expect to frame the signature-bearing head.  Still playing the banjo with the new head.

I think a glue with a less aggressive solvent should be used to repair the damage done by the tear.  If you leave it on the banjo, I don't think the banjo itself will really be playable... 

Even as an heirloom within a family, an wrecked, unplayable musical instrument has little curb appeal.  But to a collector, the value of the instrument may depend on acquiring it in an un-restored condition...  The signature intact, on a well restored head, may serve to verify provenance, etc.  But most collectors don't really care about playing their instruments very much...