Who knows about hand drums, kids??

I just got this ashiko, it's quite beat up and obviously needs a new head. I want to restore it, but I don't quite know how...what are the rules on lightly sanding? Will it hurt the drum? Also, what is the best kind of skin for the head? Is synthetic good? I heard it lasts longer...lol I just have no idea. Any help apreciated!

 

This link may help http://www.drumjourney.com/world/make/index.htm

 

Thanks, I'll check it out!

 

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hi. I'm a drum maker . for any but the smallest drums i'll use
a real sturdy and most durable skin for a head like cow or buffalo or
horse . if you want to do that , send me the drum and i'll fix it up
as something real for the trail .

 

What a bout sanding lightly? Will that mess up the sound?

 

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likely you got an oldgoat skin for a head - it may get
worn at the rim . sand whatever if it makes you feel better ,
just not near the rim . a drum sound is never ruined . all
drums are good .

 

Thanks! I don't think it should be hard to put the new head on...it's bolt tuned.

 

really? cuz than it would take a while to make it sounds good...right?
isnt double goat skin better?

 

erm edit

 

hey tikoo, i have a small djembe that i bought 3yrs ago. the goatskin was very dry & soon became brittle around the rim. it now has 2 holes. i taped these as a temporary solution, but i know i need a new head ASAP. i do not have access to anything but deerskin. do you think this would work????
any info you can give would be MUCH appreciated.....
peace,
josalyn

 

mmm , i sposed she wanted to sand the head perhaps to even out the thick-ness . some spots get worn , thinner . goat-skin certainly makes a fine head because of its elastic properties . but like all drums go boom chicka boom all skins are good , just different . the north african goat-headed drums have been sold hard in the usa . many good teachers from that region have come here . however , a man from south africa i know says their cape buffalo is favored for drums .

i've used deer-skin on many drums . it may need a little extra oil
rubbed into it . not vege oil . sometime i would like to try to make
drum with hemp cloth . i think maybe to boil the cloth and stretch it
on the drum hot then give it a treatment of mild acid . hey , i'll take
that treatment , too .

sometimes i do lace a drum with hemp cord .