Hi, I recently got a 3 ply gretsch progressive jazz kit 20 12 14 4x14 mid 50s. Stick choppers, all 3 ply. The hoops and drums were prob made with calf skin in mind. Modern heads want to slip outta the hoop if I dont tension it evenly. That isnt really a problem though. The 14x14 is pretty tight. Should I seek out old ones? Will the radio kings fit OK? Or should I search for gretsch broadkasters? I see a lot more radio king calf heads as opposed to gretsch. Should I get new? Earthtones? The earthtone would have the same hoop as a modern head right? Would I want to avoid that? Is there any other company? I know ill have to pay extra attention to tuning them, but this would be a kit that would sit in the house. I have a couple other prog jazz kits and Id like something a little different. Thanks, please let me know what you do.
Calf skin heads help Last viewed: 5 hours ago
I use rubber cement and a quarter inch wide strip of rubber, I've cut from inner tube and also tried what I think was roofing mat. Rubber glue the long strip around the circumference of the heads hoop, then work the head into the hoop. Whala! No sliding off kilter, and they have held solidly. Haven't had to readjust at all. The heads I used were all Evans 360, but this will work with any modern head and an older calfskin oriented hoop.
I have this issue with an early 60s slingerland kit I have. Both 16 inch floor toms. Every head no matter what I do fit on the shell great, but the hoop slips off. I've done a couple of things to remedy this. Ive taken thinline masking tape, and apply it to the edge of the head on the outside as to take up the slack. This way the hoop sits center on the head and holds properly. I've also taken popsicle sticks and used them as shims in the same way. you just have to expiriment and see what works.
This sounds like the ideal job for one of my heroes.....rubber tape. I've used this to wrap cores of vibes mallets for years and you can't beat it. Local hardware store $1.19/roll. The stuff lasts for ever and is very easy to handle. Maybe work for this application?
I'm going to try poregon's rubber tape. That makes a lot of sense and sounds less time consuming than my rubber cement/rubber strips method. Thanks for the recommendation. I think that I'll split the tape halfway to match the width of the head's hoop.
Hey Keith, there's a guy here in Australia (Steele, kentville drums) that makes custom heads from kangaroo hide. Check him out on Facebook, I know a few guys that have got them on there vintage kits and they live them. I will be doing it with my vintage prems this year.
KEITHFOX If you are having problem with Calf heads. The problem with modern hoops they my be a bit off and maybe a bit hard to center on those hoops on head. The best you can do is contact Evens Drum heads they make an odd ball line of skins but special ordered. this is made for those rims that fit 1/8 off and up to a 1/4 inch off rims. You also can contact Stern tanning but then this is for mounted Calf heads to fit perfect on any drum head size
Wow, thanks everybody. I think I got a set a stern calf heads set up hopefully. Member contacted me, sounds like great deal. Now I just need tips and dos and donts of calf heads. Thanks again. Chime in if you have any advice for when I get them
Please excuse my ignorance, but I've wondering about something for awhile now:
Why can't/don't people use goatskin heads on drum kits?
As I've gotten older, and my hands started hurting playing hand drums, I've recovered some of my hand drums with goatskin, and play them with sticks.
They have a much better feel than calfskin on hand drums.
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