Refreshing Ageing REMO Buffalo Drums -any ideas??

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Steve Ball

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Apr 30, 2023, 12:43:53 PM4/30/23
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...hi folks and Arthur and anyone else that remembers me from the past ( class of 2004 )

I haven't posted here in a very long time - but - I just wanted to ask you guys a question - any responses gratefully received...

I have some REMO Buffalo  Drums - simple frame drums for those who are not familiar with them, made in a 'medicine drum' style with crossed ropes across the sound hole...

Mine have had a lot of use over the past 20 years -the skins are fine the shells are fine, but they look a 'grubby' that's colloquial UK English speak for lightly soiled or dirty...

I have tried washing them, I've thought about painting them, I just wanted to know what you guys do to keep your frequently used drums in tip top condition -all of my other drums  are ok, I have various cleaning materials for wood and fibreglass etc but these REMO Buffalo drums don't really respond to anything ?? 

...And for anyone who knows me, I had to 'cease operations' during COVID 19 as I was working regularly in around Nth London with Adults with Learning Difficulties and Complex Needs -but all of the venues closed their doors re COVID...just to say that I have relocated to Cambridgeshire and did two taster sessions in April my first since the 2020 lockdown, and start two new regular projects - two 'healing drum' circles in May - it's good to get out and spread some joy, bliss and magic again...

stay safe out there 

best 

Steve Ball - aka - Steve-at-jazzex 

Joy Louise Hope

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May 1, 2023, 4:14:26 AM5/1/23
to Steve Ball, Drumcircle-Facilitators
I was taught a few years ago that the best way to decorate synthetic heads is with magic markers.  I decorated mine that way about 10 years ago and it's holding up beautifully.

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Marilyns Google

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May 1, 2023, 7:40:33 AM5/1/23
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Hi Steve…I love decorated drums and have had most of mine painted by an artist friend. Best I can remember is she used acrylic on all of them. The black Buffalo has a different skin and didn’t react well to the clear sealant, but all else was great. 

Here are a few  you could also contact the artist for more info  she is so reasonable  just let me know  image0.jpegimage1.jpegimage2.jpeg

Marilyn Wilson

On Apr 30, 2023, at 12:43 PM, Steve Ball <stevebp...@gmail.com> wrote:

...hi folks and Arthur and anyone else that remembers me from the past ( class of 2004 )
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Marilyns Google

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May 1, 2023, 8:11:31 AM5/1/23
to Steve Ball, Drumcircle-Facilitators
Resend. 

The last two photos are on the natural skin rain drum. 

1st is 22” buffalo
2nd is a homemade deer skin hide. 
3- the grouping are all remo. One is the thin line frame with a clear skin. The others are small frames and a16” Buffalo. 
cid:5D94C8A6-82F2-4C87-B253-11961AA6B402
22” remo 

cid:D6BCA6A2-20C9-43BF-A335-4D4FDDACBFC8

Deer hide. Not remo. 
cid:6C5B5442-6745-4E6B-9520-6CDA25BA47F7
Thin line and small frame 

cid:6D30ECE3-81D2-48DF-9E25-3D084C6D9751
10” frame drum 

cid:644531D3-5AFB-4FA9-8297-64028A327629
16” remo buffalo

cid:5E2F5187-04B4-4F93-BEA1-379384B1902C
Rain drum 


Marilyn Wilson


Marilyn Wilson

On Apr 30, 2023, at 12:43 PM, Steve Ball <stevebp...@gmail.com> wrote:

...hi folks and Arthur and anyone else that remembers me from the past ( class of 2004 )
--

jo...@johnfitzgeraldcoaching.com

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May 2, 2023, 8:44:42 AM5/2/23
to Drumcircle-Facilitators
Greetings, all,

Some of you know that I’ve worked for REMO for a very long time (I left full-time work in 2020). The standard buffalo drums have a very textured head so may be difficult to clean. It’s safe to use warm, soapy water, and perhaps something to scrub it with it that has a little bit of texture, but not too harsh. That’s the best I can can offer.

The more lovely solution, of course is to paint them!

Many blessings.
John.
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