Banjolin skin/head maintenance and button on resonator wanted

[poul hansen]

Hello all
I just aquired an old Banjolin and wondered if I can do anything to the head/skin, to make it last longer.
It's natural and has no faults.

I also need the decorative button in the middle of the resonator. Links and even a name would be welcome

What action for the strings would you recommend?

[Richard500]

Try banjohangout.org if you don’t get enough answers here. Last time I asked, it seems these heads have an indefinite life as is. Also photos and model names would be helpful on the button issue.

[poul hansen]

That photo IS the button :-) Or the rest of it. The darker wood shows where it used to be.

No name, it's probably 100 years old.

[pops1]

The button looks to be a piece of ebony with a pearl dot in it. Simple to make.

[poul hansen]

It's not that easy as it has a conical piece like a violin endpiece, that goes into the resonator

[pops1]

Paul, is it possible it started life as an end pin? Hard to tell in the photo, but looks like it has worn over the years. Is it the size of an end pin, but shorter?

[poul hansen]

Paul, is it possible it started life as an end pin? Hard to tell in the photo, but looks like it has worn over the years. Is it the size of an end pin, but shorter?

No it was much wider, as can be seen from the unfaded wood but I could make a button and screw it on the old stub and close the screwhole with a MOP dot but I have too many projects so would like to buy, although not very probable

[rickbella]

A good, safe way to clean the head on a mandobanjo is to gently rub with a Pink Pearl eraser. The erasers are favored by artists because they don't damage the medium below the dirt, which can be fine or textured paper. Lots of luthiers use this trick, too. You should be able to find a Pink Pearl eraser at any stationery store or on Amazon.

[allenhopkins]

I've a gut-strung banjo that most probably has its original c.1875 head. Just take care of it, don't over-tighten, watch where it wraps over the flesh hoop for tearing, try not to abrade it excessively with your picks. Here's an interesting Mudcat Cafe thread on natural-skin head care.

[beacham]

Hi. Have a look at the Palnut Push-Ons range of stud covers. Something may be available.

[beacham]

This may be the sort of button that is missing from your instrument

[beacham]

This may help regarding information concerning your mandolin banjo.

[beacham]

Another possible solution.

[poul hansen]

Thnaks but I think it should be in wood.