Goat Skin Head Tension

[Tyler Been]

Just had a few questions about goat skin heads that are tacked on (such as the minstrel kit).

I assume that once the head is glued and tacked the tension just is what it is. Is that true?

If the tension cannot be adjusted how often do you have to put on a new head?

Any tips on how to maintain good tension for longer?

Thanks!
Tyler

[Carver Banjos]

Hi Tyler,
Yes for the most part once a skin is tacked on its tension is set but It will constantly change with differences in humidity. You might see it sag slightly during summer months and return to higher tension in winter months. This is the drawback of a tackhead. We can compensate and expect these things to happen and still keep our banjo playable year round.
First, we need optimal tension when we attach the skin.
Next we need to be mindful of the external environment we are putting the skin through.
Last we can set the action a little higher so a slight sag in the skin won’t affect playability too much.
As far as replacing the skin, if the skin is put on correctly it should last for many many years and only to be replaced when damaged. I have a personal kit I use often and I put it together in 2018. It’s playable year round and the skin is in the same condition today as it was 5 years ago.
Also, I am releasing 12” adjustable tension rim kits and adjustable tension mountain banjo kits in 2025 so check back if that interests you!

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