by Patrick David Sawyer, Pisgah Banjo Company
Installing a pre-mounted skin head is not much different than installing a Mylar (plastic) or conventional banjo head. The main thing to focus on is keeping even tension all the way around and achieving a head deflection of about 1/16″ when properly tightened. The head can be installed on a banjo with or without taking the neck off however we find it much easier to install any head with the neck removed from the rim. Follow these steps for a smooth installation and great tone.
What You’ll Need
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Pre-mounted skin head (already stretched and mounted on a flesh hoop) Mounted by Jack Furman of Happy Hollow Music Co.
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Tension hoop and hooks/nuts
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Bracket wrench or nut driver (typically 5/16″ for all Pisgah Banjos and most modern banjo hardware)
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A clean cloth and a bit of patience
1. Prepare the Rim
Clean the rim and tone ring to remove dust or residue. A smooth, clean surface helps the head seat evenly and prevents wrinkles or buzzing later on.
2. Position the Head
Set the pre-mounted skin head onto the rim so the flesh hoop rests evenly on the tone ring or rim edge. Make sure it’s centered all the way around. If a spine or “grain” visible, align head parallel with the strings. Position of the stamp/logo varies so don’t use this as a positioning guide.
3. Install the Tension Hoop
Place the tension hoop over the head and align the hook notches. Thread all the hooks and nuts just finger-tight so the hoop sits evenly before applying pressure.
4. Tighten Gradually and Evenly
Tighten the nuts a little at a time using a star or cross pattern—this ensures even pressure. Avoid over-tightening one side before the others.
Skin heads respond best to slow, balanced tightening, since natural hide can stretch unevenly if rushed or exposed to uneven tension.
5. Check Head Deflection
Aim for about 1/16″ of deflection in the center when you press lightly with your thumb. This is a good general rule of thumb for both skin and plastic heads—firm and responsive without feeling stiff.
6. Let the Head Settle
Once tensioned, let the head sit overnight. Skin heads will often relax slightly as they absorb ambient humidity. Re-check and adjust tension the next day if needed.
7. Reassemble and Tune Up
Reinstall your bridge and strings. Tune slowly to pitch, checking the tone as you go. A properly mounted skin head will produce a warm, organic tone with rich dynamic response.
Final Notes
Natural skin is a living material that reacts to humidity and temperature. Seasonal adjustments are normal—small tweaks with your wrench now and then will keep your banjo sounding its best.
Disclaimer:
The information in this article is based on years of experience building and setting up open-back banjos at Pisgah Banjo Company. While not a peer-reviewed resource, we strive to make BanjoFAQ.com as accurate and useful as possible. We welcome feedback and community contributions to help this resource grow.
