Can I shrink my skin head? Re-wet? Sprays?
I installed a skin head that is not as taut as I would like. It still sounds good and I would not trade it for plastic but I would like to have put it on a lot tighter.
1) I did not put the skin on and off 3x (times) with the flesh hoop and tension ring to give it a good thorough Pre-stretch.
2) I did not attempt to grab with pliers, forceps, or otherwise. I worried I might tear the skin.
It was a new experience for me and I did two, solo, in a row but did not wait to see how tight they would dry. Loose or not, I loved the sound.
So I put it together without stretching. It is great but not tight and I can't adjust anymore. I have a back-up banjo coming soon and I can consider experimenting in some way to re-wet/shrink the head.
I know a new skin is the best answer, but I wanted to also pass along my experience that it is a very do-able procedure and yes, make the effort to pull the head more as you install. I was anxious I tell you.
thanks for any ideas
charlie