This might be a useful tip as well - on my RWE the tape is wound from the flat of the front of the skin outwards and then down around the shell. This means you dont get a loose end on the skin surface and a nice finish to boot.

The same thing happened to me - after one night I found the tape had completely come off the drum. I went to the hardware store and purchased a better brand of tape (instead of the cheap stuff I was using before) and it seemed to stay on there no problem. I have no real tricks to offer in regards to the method of taping, but perhaps try a different brand of tape - it might work! (I think mine was a $5 or $6 (CAD) roll of tape...)

ED

I do sometimes worry though about the use of too much tape. I suppose for me would be to use the least amount necessary to to the job of tightening the tone and having a good adhesion. The thinner width tape does require more wrapping to cover an equivalent area, and in my opinion sometimes is overdone, leading to and overly muddy, thuddy tone with no resonance or sustain. To me the tape helps clean up the tone, and needn't suffocate it!

R

Absolutely - I personally think the RWE is a little over-taped. The highs on pops just dont compare to the Brendan White 18.5" I have - which produces a lovely round pop sound.

My Brendan White isnt taped and I have no intention of taping it - since applying neatsfoot oil the skin has killed off a lot of the 'new' pingy overtones and is sounding much better - something that will continue to improve (its only 3months old!).

True enough. Of course I suppose you can always tape the inside rather than the outside, or use mylar sheet, silicon, or even and extra round of skin on the inside rather than tape. Takes away overtones and gives you a bit of extra attacky pop as well towards the edge. Its a whole kettle of fish really and loads of ways to approach the issue. I'm leaning far more towards loading the inner edge these days myself rather than taping. More on that later though.

Hey Rob,
Which would sound better, taping it or putting a cirle of skin on the inside?

Cheers,
Cillian.