REPLACING YOUR DJEMBE HEAD PAGE 3
12. Always remember to keep checking the flesh hoop, the top hoop, the skin itself, etc. during and after every operation. Just a little crooked will cause problems. Stay on top of it be alert and dont even let anything start to go sideways.
13. Begin to remove some slack from the rope working quickly. Leave it quite loose still to allow for more checking and adjusting at the top. I like to work left to right.
14. Closely inspect the skin and remove all creases and wrinkles epcecially around the flesh hoop. Make sure it is straight but dont pull out all slack yet.
15. Remove more slack from rope while checking the wooden edge of the drum through the skin so it is even with the hoop all the way around. I'm checking with my left thumb in this photo.
16. Next pull all slack out of the skin. Pull it firmly against the flesh hoop. The pliers are standing by in case there is not enough skin to grab. Dont get it really tight yet just make sure it is seated properly. Pull the rope one more time pulling the hoop evenly about 1/2 inch down from the wooden edge of the drum.
17 Tie off the rope and use it to circumnavigate the loose skin to hold it in position as it dries. Put it firmly in place but not too tight or it will pull loose.
18. I like to use the small blade on my swiss army knife (freshly sharpened of course) to trim off excess skin others like to use a new single edge razor blade. If you lay the drum horizontally on the floor you can pull the skin away from the drum to minimize the danger of nicking the head. Be alert and careful for this part.
19. let drum dry undisturbed for 3-6 days depending on the climate. Then tighten it and jam. Allow a few more days before you get it really really tight.
