For the new drum skinner, a list of things to know...

[alifaa]

I have compiled a list of "lessons learnt" based mainly on mistakes I have made myself - but also on other people's advice that would have been nice to know before I did something - perfect example is sanding after shaving - I have been using wet and dry (about 800 grit) based on some info from one person, only to find out that using more like 220 grit makes it smooth and takes the top layer off, giving a cranking sound sooner. Anyway, this is my list (attached), feel free to add or argue - if I have something wrong, better to know about it now!!

If this list helps one person, it has been worth the share...

(tried to put the list here, but weird stuff keeps happening to the formatting)

Alifaa

[Djembe-nerd]

Excellent points for a newbie.

For those who do this regularly in the forum, some of these points can be discussed to understand each others experience. Some points that stand out to me.

- Ring : Should be firm, but not tight – once you rope it up, it should be snug, but should still fit without force.
- Align any knots away from playing surface and legs!

[rachelnguyen]

Nice job!

This is an excellent set of guidelines for a beginner. I especially liked the part about trimming the excess skin when it is halfway dry. I have done it both wet and dry and found them both to be problematic, LOL.

The ring fit guide is nice too. You might want to add that if you are working with cowskin, you have to compensate with bigger rings.

Thanks for sharing this.

[michi]

I have compiled a list of "lessons learnt" based mainly on mistakes I have made myself

All good advice, thank you for sharing this!

Cheers,

Michi.

[freefeet]

Good stuff!

Only thing i would add...

lumps and bumps will cause overtones

More importantly, bad lumps and bumps are very capable of splitting the skin if you ever try to tune it up to playing pitch. Very typical of Ghana djembes.

[alifaa]

updated version based on a few more mistakes.......

[leekahheng]

And lastly and most important of all.
Watch your back when pulling the verticals.
I suffered from slip disc.

[michi]

And lastly and most important of all.
Watch your back when pulling the verticals.
I suffered from slip disc.

You are showing your age, Leekahheng

Do yourself a favor and buy or build a pulling stand. Once you do, I promise you won't ever look back

Michi.

[rachelnguyen]

My husband is building one for me for Christmas! I am super psyched.

[michi]

My husband is building one for me for Christmas! I am super psyched.

So you should be! Better make sure you keep being nice to that husband of yours. Worth keeping…

Cheers,

Michi.