Steer or Mule?

[Marcus]

My first new topic on this forum.

I have a solid shell 11” Quinto. The tone is just okay and slaps are right there yet it does ring. Dampeners work with great success yet I am wonder about changing the skin. Just seems a bit too thick.

Came with African Cow and I am considering experimenting with Steer or Mule. What would a Steer or Mule skin offer me to justify the time and energy to rehead.

Thx, marcus

[Isaac]

They're both very good.
The mule will have a dryer tone, and will take much longer to break in, but It may last 10 - 20 years!
You have to be patient and play a lot. Mule has more density. It'll feel almost
like you're playing a cajon at first. The slaps will definitely become much "cleaner"
easier and consistent. With cow or steer, the drum will have a mellower tone much earlier,
a bit quieter in volume, and you'll break in faster.
Both are good depending on the drum and desired sound. If the hardware is not
strong, mule will be too much of a strain for the drum.

The ringing you mention may not necessarily be a factor of your current
skin. There are a few variables: It could be an inconsistant thickness of the wood rim's bearing edge, or shell interior;
or possibly an unevenness in the current skin's thickness or possibly tuning.
Sometimes a comfort rim also adds to ringing. With mule the even thickness ( although desirable)
is less of an issue beacause of the increased density.
It may also be the wood itself. A lot of solid african shells are made by djembe carvers,
who use woods better suited to djembes - where the overtones are very desirable, and this is what they know best.

Isaac

[Skulmoski]

They're both very good.
The mule will have a dryer tone, and will take much longer to break in, but It may last 10 - 20 years!
You have to be patient and play a lot. Mule has more density. It'll feel almost
like you're playing a cajon at first. The slaps will definitely become much "cleaner"
easier and consistent. With cow or steer, the drum will have a mellower tone much earlier,
a bit quieter in volume, and you'll break in faster.
Both are good depending on the drum and desired sound. If the hardware is not
strong, mule will be too much of a strain for the drum.

Isaac

The mule skins I got from Isaac sound really sweet! Thanks buddy!

GJS

[Marcus]

Isaac,

It is that dry tone that I think I am looking for and it sure seems like a steer or mule will be most applicable for my shell(s). It is a detailed project suited for the cold winter months. My hands are not construction guy hands but I think that they would hold up to the mule. The shell is strong and the thickness of the shell and bearing edge is indeed right on—I believe the hardware will handle mule. The response is incredible so maybe the steer would mellow it a bit. Lots to think about!

Thank you for your knowledge, marcus