Dhol Tilli Head

[Nish]

First post, so sorry if this is in wrong section and such...


Just wondering, how well do you guys think this will work--> http://www.amazon.com/Evans-Hydraulic-Blue-Drum-Head/dp/B0002D0DSE/ref=pd_sim_MI_3


Would this be alright quality? Just wondering because it's blue and I'm looking to spice up my dhol....




cheers,
Nish

 

[superdholi1994]

Hi Nish

That drumhead that you mentioned(Evans Hydraulic Blue Drumhead), is a double-ply drumhead, so don't bother getting that drumhead, I would just stick it with single-ply drumhead for Tilli side



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7 mil single-ply drumheadsbright tone, short sustain, less durability)
- Evans Resonant(Glass or Black)
- Remo Diplomat(Clear, Coated, Smooth White, Suade, Renaissance, or Fiberskyn 3)
- Aquarian Hi-Frequency(Clear, Coated, Black, or White) or Modern Vintage Thin



10 mil single-ply drumheadsModerate tone, moderate sustain, moderate durability)
- Evans J1 Etched or G1(Clear or Coated)
- Remo Ambassador(Clear, Coated, Smooth White, White Suade, Black Suade, Suade, Renaissance, Ebony, or Fiberskyn 3)
- Aquarian Classic(Clear, Black, or White), Texture Coated, Modern Vintage Medium, Jack DeJohnette


Speciality drumheads: (Sort of...)
- Remo Skyntone - www.remo.com/portal/products/3/8/752/ds_skyntone.html
- Remo Tattoo Skyn - www.remo.com/portal/products/3/11/765/tattoo_skyns.html
- Desi Drumhead(Unknown brand, GBC, CMH, MR, MG, AW & Sons, etc.)(5 mil, 7 mil, 10 mil, 12 mil, or 15 mil)

 

[Nish]

Thanks man! Haha I knew I could count on your expertise after gaining plenty of insight from all your other posts!


Sorry to go off topic, but I have a second question:


I recently re-roped my dhol and I'm having some difficulties with my dagga. My dad claims it sounds 'flat' (like it doesn't resonate like it used to). I've pulled it quite tight but when I do this it raises the pitch of the dagga which I dont like because it's too high. When I loosen it, it's super flat and wont work right. What do you recommend I do to make the dagga nice and resonant? Will oiling it and putting it in the sun help? Will removing the masala help?
thanks,
Nish

 

[Dholi Arjun B]

Hey Nish,


I had an Dhol made of Amb wood and I had the same problem like you. I put mustard oil on it, rubbed it in and let it dry in the sun for a whole day. That made it sound alot better and deeper. I did 2 coats of the mustard oil on my dagga skin. You can do 1 or as many as you want.


and I'm not sure about the Masala.


Hope it helps

 

[Nish]

alright, thanks man!


one more question: should i have the ropes loosened or can they be taught when I leave it in the sun?

 

[Dholi Arjun B]

Im not 100% sure on that one. It's been awhile. I think I had mine lose but double check with someone else before you do it.

 

[Nish]

Ok, thanks!


One last question: if I don't have mustard oil, will cocnut oil or olive oil or ghee work?

 

[Dholi Arjun B]

They should work but not 100% sure on that either. Mustard oil is your best option though.

 

[jsinghh]

alright, thanks man!


one more question: should i have the ropes loosened or can they be taught when I leave it in the sun?

When you leave it in the sun, def have the ropes loosened all the way. The loosened dagga will get stronger that way. As for the mustard oil, if you don't have it/can't get it, you can also use water or lotion. Although make sure you rub in the water/oil/lotion with a decent about of pressure on the dagga head for 5-10 mins before leaving it out.

 

[Nish]

ok, but if I put water on the dagga will that affect the masala? or will it be fine?


also will kyo/ghee work?


thanks

 

[jsinghh]

ok, but if I put water on the dagga will that affect the masala? or will it be fine?


also will kyo/ghee work?


thanks

No the water wont affect the masala. Never heard of using kyo/ghee, so I wouldn't recommend it.

 

[Dr.Dholwala]

Water Deff wont affect the Dagga head considering that is gets soaked in warm water when you do a fresh installation. I've rubbed in Castor oil on the dagga head when it gets dried out. Not too much but just a little bit to keep the head hydrated. It prevents it from tearing prematurely. I also use castor oil when the masala dries out on dholki and dhol heads. Just use the particles that have fallen off and knead them with castor oil and reapply. good as new.

 

[Nish]

Alright, when I put the dhol out in the sun to dry, will putting castor oil also prevent it from melting?


Because I'm thinking of removing the masala but if you recommend having it on a dhol, then I'll leave it

 

[Dr.Dholwala]

After you put a new Dagga head on, you can let it pre-dry in the sun, but don't let it bake. I usually let it air-dry indoors. Too much exposure in the sun is what can weather it faster. I put castor oil on in the winter months cause of the dry cold + Playing outside. Don't put the oil on while the skin is wet, it should only be applied if you feel the head is really dry (like lotion on dry skin). Think of a Dagga Head as leather seats in a car. There should be some hydration in the skin, but don't go over board. Only if its required.

 

[Dholi harsh]

TAKE THE MASALA OFF, i've never been a fan of using masala on skins to make it sound deeper.... ever. A properly treated drum skin can sound better than any masala skin any day. scrape all of it off, soak it for a while, scrape the rest off (the stain will never leave so don't bother) and then soak it for a little longer like 15-20 mins and then re-rope it. If your drum is bolted dugga then just use oil/moisturizing lotion to massage the skin and then let it in the sun to dry for a few hours (along with the drum if you're oiling it or you just think the wood could use a little heating up) and then put it on, it should sound like thunder once you're done.