What to put on the heads?

[chris hansen]

I know this was kind of covered in other threads but I'm still left wondering; Is there a best thing to put on the heads?

Some of the things I've seen or heard recommended include: Olive oil, almond oil, glycerin, hand lotion, palm oil, shea butter, lanolin and others. Does it really matter what you use or do they all do about the same thing?

I've seen the recomendation to leave the drum out in the sun when using some stuff. In the absence of sun, would it make sense to use something that's more liquid at room temperature?

Do some choices provide certain qualities better or worse than others? Like is something especially good or bad at reducing ringing or making the sound warmer or brighter or whatever quality you're looking for?

I happen to have both almond oil and glycerin at home, is there any reason not to use one of those or is it worth the trouble to find something else like palm oil or something?

Thanks for your patience, this is something I've been wondering and would value your opinions.

[caballoballo]

A good Hat is always good on a sunny day. Palm tree oil is what I use.

[caballoballo]

A good Hat is always good on a sunny day. Palm tree oil is what I use.

[burke]

I followed the threads on this a while back. I found most of the things mentioned hard to find (at least as pure forms) but finally got pure lanolin from a pharmacy.

Put some on. Skins were a tad greasy for a day or two. Can't say I noticed any change in tone and I don't know if i'd bother again - maybe it will help with the skins lifespan...or maybe not.

[windhorse]

Nothing but the oil from hands gets on mine!
I hate slimey sticky heads! :angry:

[chris hansen]

A good Hat is always good on a sunny day. Palm tree oil is what I use.

Isn't palm oil kind of solid at room temperature? It's just starting to warm up here in Minnesota, it might still be a little while before the temp stays above 70F, wouldn't it just sit on top of the head and not soak in without some kind of heat source? Same thing with lanolin or shea butter?

[caballoballo]

Chris, You could use a low wattage light bulb to warm the heads after the treatment. You could get the palm tree oil (manteca de corojo ) on the internet or if there is a latino neighborhood around your area,you could get it at a place they call Botanica ,it is a oronge color paste . Just rub a little all over the head and let it dry for a couple days under the light so the skin can absorb the oil . Make sure is no tension apply by the tunning lugs during the drying process.

http://www.amazon.com/Eko-Palm-Oil-Manteca-Corojo/dp/B000GCNCVG



Edited By caballoballo on 1178729285

[chris hansen]

http://www.amazon.com/Eko-Palm-Oil-Manteca-Corojo/dp/B000GCNCVG

Wow, after reading the description for palm oil I might start eating the stuff.

[caballoballo]

Yeah Man, I just finish reading about it. Although the smell is not that attractive,may be with a little Itallian aderezo it could be added to some salads as a whatever inhibitor .

[Whopbamboom]

Hello all...

...new to this site...

After seeing the recommendations made for red palm oil, I asked the guys at a local health food store, and they had it in a 16-oz jar. I also got some beeswax there. So health food stores might be a place to try as well for this specialty stuff.

[pavloconga]

http://www.amazon.com/Eko-Palm-Oil-Manteca-Corojo/dp/B000GCNCVG

Wow, after reading the description for palm oil I might start eating the stuff.

Greetings,
In West Africa red palm oil is used in just about every dish! It's amazing stuff and brings a unique flavour to the food as well as providing plenty of energy for what is a very physically demanding way of life.
Pavlo

here's a link to a page with west african recipes that use palm oil:
http://www.volunteerghanaproject.org/volunteersite/pages/recipe.php



Edited By pavloconga on 1179355087

[Bachikaze]

I've been making drums with natural skins for years. I know the tendency of drummers to want to fidgit with their drums and do what they can to beautify and preserve them, but I have always heard not to treat leather heads with anything at all. Some drum makers stress this strongly, using NEVER in all-caps.

It's probably best to leave the heads alone and treat your hands instead. Loosen the drum heads after you play. That's probably the best advice.



Edited By Bachikaze on 1179435542