Carver Banjos: Instruments Handmade by You and Me › Forums › Building Banjos › Celebrating 20 years with a special kit › Reply To: Celebrating 20 years with a special kit
Hi Jordan, if you are still having problems with the skin email me carverbanjos@gmail.com and I can help you with a replacement.
Tips for skin
-watch and rewatch the video I have posted above on attaching a skin to a rim
– pull tight but you should not be straining yourself, the power you need to use is about what it takes to lift up a gallon of milk.
-soak the skin in cool water for at least 30 mins, when ready just pat it dry enough to not be dripping water everywhere.
-always use a line of waterproof wood glue along the top lip before placing the skin. If you varnished the rim you must sand off the finish along the top lip before applying the glue. Using glue is absolutely critical to keeping the skin tight for the life of your banjo.
-the first 4 tacks are the most important and will be placed at 12 o’clock then 6 o’clock, 3 o’clock then 9 o’clock.
Every tack placed after that should repeat that pattern and focus on pulling the wrinkles out with each tack and getting a good even tension on the skin.
-you will have a good hour to work with the skin, don’t rush, don’t worry about it drying out before you get it attached. Take your time.
-allow the skin to dry naturally for at least 12 hours before putting the strings on.
-care for the skin and banjo, don’t leave it in a hot car. Don’t lay it next to a heater vent in your home. Skin tension will fluctuate with humidity but as long as it’s gradual and natural it’s not going to shock your banjo