NickBamber - Posted - 03/16/2026:  01:15:49

I am interested to know whether the consensus is to fit vellums with the smooth side (inside) of the calfskin facing up (i.e. facing outwards) or facing down. From the two or three posts on this website I have only found reference to skins being fitted with the smooth side facing outwards. I have just removed three heads from three zither-banjos: two had the rough (furry) side facing outwards and one with the smooth side facing outwards. I have to say that the last mentioned banjo sounded the best. Has anybody tried to make a comparison between the two options? What difference in tone is produced if one way round instead of the other?



For a second question I'd like to ask whether people soak vellums before fitting. The posts I read didn't mention soaking and the implication was that they fit vellums dry. I recently talked to the UK vellum makers William Cowley: they mentioned that drumskins are usually fitted with the rough side facing up. They also mentioned that skins can be fitted by initially just wetting the skin along the circumference where it will be folded over and then, once in position and partially tensioned, the portion of the skin inside the perimeter can be wetted.



All opinions and tips appreciated!

Edited by - NickBamber on 03/16/2026 01:17:13

Joel Hooks - Posted - 03/16/2026:  04:24:39

Joel Hooks - Posted - 03/16/2026:  04:28:38

Alvin Conder - Posted - 03/16/2026:  05:18:47

Having done more than a few natural banjo heads over the decades, Joel’s post above is shows the proper method.

Now for which side of the heads is correct? I have always done smooth side up. That being said, I have seen others who prefer the rough side up…..personal preference perhaps?


Never really thought about it. I can say that many of the old Joseph B Roger’s skin heads I have handled had the smooth side out, and I just followed that example as I took it to be correct.

Joel Hooks - Posted - 03/16/2026:  05:25:06

I personally like the smooth side up. I remove the fitted head and trim the excess with scissors. I have better control and this does not cut the inside of the stretcher hoop.

Having used both the soaking tub and wet towel roll method, I prefer the wet towel roll method that Stewart used.

carlb - Posted - 03/16/2026:  06:22:11

I soak the head and roll it up in a dry towel.

trapdoor2 - Posted - 03/16/2026:  06:59:20

I use the Stewart method, simply soaking it in the kitchen sink for a few minutes then blotting it dry with a paper towel. I usually pick the smooth side for show but most of the heads I've mounted over the past 40-odd years have been pretty smooth on both sides.

I do have to say I prefer calfskin to goat. Goat is too stretchy for me...like playing on a trampoline.

tdennis - Posted - 03/16/2026:  10:43:27

I've dealt with many vintage drums & banjos with skin heads, & cannot recall one time of seeing the nappy side up. I assume any skin head that was upside down was tucked by a naif or was a result of some idiosyncrasy on the part of the player.

It seems the nappy side would simply wear out faster from contact friction, & would not especially give a good surface for drummers using brushes because of the extra drag.

Edited by - tdennis on 03/16/2026 10:45:18

jbalch - Posted - 03/16/2026:  12:19:17

The "traditional" way to mount a hide is with the grain (smooth) side facing up. That is because ... As tdennis said ... the flesh side might wear more quickly.

However, I sometimes mount the flesh side facing up . I do so often when making stained heads (because the flesh side absorbs color better and ican be more attractive). When I mount the flesh side up I often lightly sand the surface.

NickBamber - Posted - 03/17/2026:  01:49:38

quote:

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Originally posted by tdennis

I've dealt with many vintage drums & banjos with skin heads, & cannot recall one time of seeing the nappy side up. I assume any skin head that was upside down was tucked by a naif or was a result of some idiosyncrasy on the part of the player.

It seems the nappy side would simply wear out faster from contact friction, & would not especially give a good surface for drummers using brushes because of the extra drag.

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Pardon my indelicacy, but which is the nappy side?!

NickBamber - Posted - 03/17/2026:  01:54:47

quote:

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Originally posted by Joel Hooks

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Many thanks for this Joel.