If it has to be calf, I like Stern Tannery www.sterntanning.com. They did some great heads for me a while back. By far, the best I've seen of the current suppliers. If it's a reso head, you might consider Rebeats, though I didn't have a great result from them. The two calf heads I picked up from them were their top of the line. Not sure why, but they used a smooth section and not a spine cut. Consequently, they are already ready to be delegated as reso heads due to the malformations. You might also consider a goat skin from Earthtone - not really a horrible head when you get down to it. They make terrible Tom resos but do ok as a bass reso.

RogerSling, Thank you for the reply.

I am going for the authentic look so I want skin with an Off White color, not White, or Clear. This is for a 27" Bass that I'm going to paint on the name.

I did not think of goatskin and I don't think I have ever seen goatskin or at least was not aware of it. I assume that the goat is look alike to calf and would look simular or serve the purpose.

Let me know if you think goat would work and achieve the look.

Just keep an eye out on eBay and Craigslist. I've bought a bunch of used calf heads over the years and some were pretty cheap.

Zenstat,

Thank you for posting pictures of your African Drums. Very Cool group.

OK, now I can see the difference in skin quality and appreciate your comments. Yes, this drum will be mostly for display with the painted logo/design on both sides of the bass. I will contact each co. for prices and color (White /Off White) availability.

How about skins from Columbia Music (ebay) - if you follow the link to their website, they have heads available in all sizes and in natural color, and they claim their heads are for any drum (snare, etc.)

Also, weren't all skin heads white in color when they were new?