lbrauer0012 - Posted - 02/04/2026:  21:45:13

Hi all, I know this a long shot based on the amount of Australian posters I see on here, but does anyone have a heads up on an Australian tanner who preps skins for banjos? I can only find international sellers and pre-manufactured calfskin that don't really suite my needs.

Alternatively, if anyone can find a way to cheaply ship one to Australia I'm open to that too! Cheers

lapsteel - Posted - 02/05/2026:  05:16:33

Try looking for rawhide, not tanned leather. There are some yootoob videos demonstrating how to make your own . Bovine rawhide comes in various thicknesses. Look for a thin one.

banjonz - Posted - 02/05/2026:  13:03:42

quote:

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Originally posted by lbrauer0012

Hi all, I know this a long shot based on the amount of Australian posters I see on here, but does anyone have a heads up on an Australian tanner who preps skins for banjos? I can only find international sellers and pre-manufactured calfskin that don't really suite my needs.



Alternatively, if anyone can find a way to cheaply ship one to Australia I'm open to that too! Cheers

---

What are your needs? If you need a vellum/calfskin head and no one in Oz makes them, then you need to go to suppliers overseas that do. I deal with Bob Smakula (Smakula Fretted Instruments). Have done for years. Buying a one off head and importing it would be expensive. I do a lot of restores and repairs so buy heads/vellums in bulk. It is cheaper that way.

awildman - Posted - 02/05/2026:  17:20:49

Not to be paranoid, but anthrax in imported skins is a concern of some people. I believe certain parts of the world have goats/livestock that get infected. Not sure how this equates to the skin, but it is something to be aware of.

I have not heard of anybody having health problems from imported skins, but each person should use their personal judgement.

xrekcor - Posted - 02/05/2026:  18:16:16

try 

narademasson.weebly.com

 

 Nara is an instrument builder in Victoria, Australia. He builds awesome banjos too. He mounted a goat skin head for my banjo a few months back. Not sure he does the tanning side of it though.

quote:

---

Originally posted by lbrauer0012

Hi all, I know this a long shot based on the amount of Australian posters I see on here, but does anyone have a heads up on an Australian tanner who preps skins for banjos? I can only find international sellers and pre-manufactured calfskin that don't really suite my needs.



Alternatively, if anyone can find a way to cheaply ship one to Australia I'm open to that too! Cheers

---

Edited by - xrekcor on 02/05/2026 18:19:05

John Yerxa - Posted - 02/06/2026:  00:45:44

I might be able to help, sent you a PM.

John Yerxa - Posted - 02/09/2026:  23:31:25

lbrauer0012

Sent you a PM - I have a few calf and goat skins, depending on what size you need? Contact me.

Dogfeathers - Posted - 02/16/2026:  08:42:04

There is this outfit in New South Wales, they offer kangaroo hides for many hide using instruments in various thickness, including for banjos. After all, you are an Aussie and it would be appropriate to use a kangaroo hide!

kentvilledrums.com.au/heads

tdennis - Posted - 02/16/2026:  14:32:01

There have been several posts over the years on the BHO about Kangaroo skins from Australia. (I always order the female skins because I find the pouch is a good place to keep my picks!)