Well, after much him-hawing around i ordered one of Mr. Millers vellum processed pre-mounted calf skin heads. Following the included instruction, (which I am very thankful for!), it got installed on my GF-85, I didn't have to wet it to install, the nuts just did catch on the threads of the hooks. Got it installed, and pulled down to where the instructions said, then let it set for about a day or so. Stuck some new strings on it, still haven't put the reso back on with the thumb screws yet, I might need to tweek it down just a bit. But so far I really like what I'm hearing, it is alot like what Country Frank said his results were.
11 Comments |
 | jbalch says:
4/18/2011 7:31:18 PM
Good luck with it!
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 | Granada says:
4/22/2011 5:41:37 PM
Thank you jbalch! I tried it out at a gig last night; outdoor, 50-ish degrees, misty, and a mild breeze. OK, so it didn't go well, had to re-tune between breaks in the songs, (I did allow as much acclimation time as I could). This is what I think I learned from that, probably should have wet the head when I installed it, (like the instructions said), so I could have pulled it down some more. A little tighter head might have helped some, don't know for sure. Any advice from you long time "hide headers" would be greatly appreciated. But, with all that hassle, I still really like the tone I was getting, (when it held pitch!)LOL!
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| jbalch says:
4/22/2011 5:53:24 PM
I still don't think you need to re-wet it. That will only make it stretch more. I would only do that if the crown were too low.
If it were mine, I'd simple tighten in small increments and give it plenty of time to settle.
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| Granada says:
4/22/2011 6:04:13 PM
Sounds much more logical than my approach, I'll try that, thank you!
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| jbalch says:
4/22/2011 6:33:18 PM
These heads do require more patience and tinkering. They sound amazing...but it comes at a price.
I hope it works out for you...hang in there.
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| Granada says:
5/6/2011 7:11:23 PM
OK, here we are a few weeks later. I have been tightening the head down in stages, and letting it set for a day or so in between times. The head is fairly tight, I think, (I don't have a drum dial to check tension/pressure). Although, there is still some "sag" around the bridge area. Played on the banjo for about an hour. I really like the way it is sounding, wondering if I can get any "more" out of it? The hide head has seemed to cut down the overtones, which is good, haven't noticed a loss of volume except maybe with the 4th string. to my ear it has a "fuller" tone, but with quicker decay. I might tighten it down a bit more, but we'll see. I appreciate the advice given so far, any additional advice is also appreciated!
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| jbalch says:
5/7/2011 6:37:34 AM
Sounds like you are on the right track. I still recommend patience and very small incremental adjustments. It is my opinion that good skin heads take a long time...weeks or even months to season.
I think it is possible (and desirable) to eliminate most of the "sag" at the bridge. That is especially true of the hide is a good solid piece with no natural flaws. Doing so should brighten the tone and add some sustain...without sacrificing the "fat" sound of the skin.
Best wishes....
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| Granada says:
5/25/2011 7:10:06 PM
OK, it's been awhile. I've been tightening down the skin, "gradually", and am at a point to where I think it is close to being right. Still have some sag in the bridge, but not nearly as much as before. The good part is that the tone is really good. i think I'll do another "session" of tightening, (gradually), and see where I end up.
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| jbalch says:
5/26/2011 10:27:26 AM
Glad to hear it. Please keep us informed...
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| Granada says:
6/2/2011 6:11:44 PM
Well, I'm bummed! Opened the banjo case and had a 4" tear/split/rip in the head. I hadn't messed with it for about 3 or 4 days, tone was good then. What's kinda weird, is the tone is still really good! Might have to abandon this hide head thing. I was really careful with it, didn't take it outside but for that first time. i don't think I over tightened it, I guess I could of, but I don't think so. Hmmmmm
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| jbalch says:
6/2/2011 6:16:42 PM
wOW...BUMMER. I've been lucky. That has happened to me once...but otherwise my experience has been much better.
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