Changing Skins - A New Technique

[Thebreeze]

Hi. Just want to add my solution to the problem of extending tuning hook lenght. A while ago I saw OSLONGO'S pics on using string and wrapping it around the skin and flesh hoop like a pizza. I tailgated on his idea but I did it different.

I punched holes along the edge of the skin ( when wet is easier ) using a leather hole puncher. I then tied a string on each hole and just let them hang loose for the moment.

Next, I put the skin over the drum and centered it.

Next, I pushed the flesh hoop down as far as I wanted it to go. This is the difference from my technique and OLSONGO'S, it allows me to get the flesh hoop down as far as I want it because the strings do not wrap around the entire skin and hoop.

Next, I tied all the strings together so the edges will be clear when I put the rim on leaving a little slack.

Next, I put the rim on and get my first lug on loosely. I work my way around the rim, adjusting the skin as I go and get all the lugs on loosely.

Next, I cut all the strings and start pulling the skin tight with vise grips.

Next I tighten the lugs a little and re-pull the skin until you have a nice tight skin without any sagging anywhere. All that's left is to trim the skin with razor blades. I will use about 2 to 3 Blades per skin because blades get dull quick and you want a nice smooth looking cut.

With this technique you really don't need to use tuning lug extentions since you have your skin down where you want it from the very beginning. At least it works for me and I have done two skins like this so far with nice easy results.

[blango]

Yes, pony clamps like this one between every lug.

My pony clamps are thinner at the pinching end, so they can be kept in place till the crown is on.

They are quick, strong and easy.

re: 'dipped' and dry skins... careful on the half resoak, as the skin has a tendency to rip at the point where dry meets wet. Let me know how it turns out, as i didnt have much luck with this, and had to reskin with a new skin.

I just make sure i wax the rim every time (easy to forget) before i put on the skin. a few turns of the lugs while its drying.

Hope that helps,

Tony



Edited By blango on 1196111716

Attachment: http://mycongaplace.com/forum/eng/uploa ... SS500_.jpg

[Whopbamboom]

My pony clamps are thinner at the pinching end, so they can be kept in place till the crown is on.

I'm assuming that you remove the soft orange plastic from the clamping tips?

[Whopbamboom]

TheBreeze, thanks for your input!

[blango]

Yes Whopbamboom,

Or may i call you Whop?

I took the plastic off of the clamps.

Tony

[Whopbamboom]

Whopbamboom, Whop, WBB, I don't care-- as long as I know you're addressing me and it's not a bad word. LOL

Thanks for the info.

[Thebreeze]

Whopbamboom....you are welcome. I guess everyone will have their own technique and it's good we share all possible methods and pick the one that works best for each individual.

[fed]

Thanks to all that replied to my "sagging" issue. I put a moist towel on the top overnight to loosen the skin, it did, and brought the sag up. Then I tightened it a little more then I usualy do on wet skin and it seems to be pretty good now that it's dry. I am not 100% satisfied, but I think that might be just the way the bearing edge is on these Classics. The sound is great to my ears. Now just need to put another one on the conga, will try blangos suggestions, I want it to come out perfect

[OLSONGO]

The tech. ( the string crossover) that I have used, has worked for me ; for many years especially when I don't have much skin to work with or reusing already stretched skin.. Personally I like about 1/2 inch head above the rim, this way you get a longer life from the skin, with the 1" to 2" inches below the rim, the head stretches out rather quickly ...and I untune after every gig, most of the time. I find holes and clamps on the skin to be extra steps, that works on thick skin, but try it on thin skin for bongos and other drums. ???

Paz Olsongo

[No.2-1820]

I monitor mine constantly (read obsessively) while drying and apply just enough tension to the lugs to keep the skin nice and flat as it drys, in my experience you can (with a thick conga skin) safely go a little beyond the often recommended 'hand tight' on the lugs while drying, I think maybe even Isaac told me that a while back after one of my first mounts sagged a little. Just do everything very methodically and carefully.

Barrie.

[Chupacabra]

The string technique is what I use too, only I have a diamond-point leatherworking needle that really SUCKS when you prick your finger with it! But it does shear easily through wet cowhide, no matter how thick. For string I use waxed dental floss - mint flavoured, of course...
As for removing the flap I use a large stitch ripper that you can buy at any textile or fabric shop. These are soooo much safer for the newly mounted wet skin than razor blades! Get a small one for goat or similar and a large for cow or similar. I have a pair of ashikos with elk hide as thick as a steak and it went through that pretty easily with no accidents!

[Congadelica]

I used the punched hole steps on my last mounts , it worked very well , I just used a small head screw driver x cut and used some 15 ld fishing line threaded and tied .

Im very pleased with the new skins both Mule and Steer. it has totally transformed my drums . I would like to thank the guys who helped me out answering my questions . The information on here is priceless keep up the good work guys

Marco

[Jibaro]

Bump for CongaTick

Might not be the thread you were thinking of, but it has good pix!

[CongaTick]

Jibaro,

Mil gracias, hermano. Really appreciate it. Ol farts like me are a bit slow when it comes to cruising and searching.

[Jibaro]

Jibaro,

Mil gracias, hermano. Really appreciate it. Ol farts like me are a bit slow when it comes to cruising and searching.

My thanks will be when you post photos of your technique. I'm not really sure how Thebreeze managed the strings and flesh hoop before he got the rim on there so get some good snaps of that step.

That looks like a really thick skin he's using - is that why you need this string method?