Hey Greg,
Thanks for the initial observations. My only experience with calfskin is with a drum from very early in my years, and I had neither knowledge of nor concern for any differences.
From your drumdial observations, it sound like the calf is inherently softer than plastic, and the durometer readings seem to reflect that.
The stick response reported at light volumes seems consistent with the idea that the calf is softer, and more flexible, hence more responsive.
If you find that you are losing tension overnight, then it does sound like you are committed to cycles of de-tuning and re-tuning. Can’t imagine not ‘running out of hoop’ eventually (assuming head stretches that far before giving up).
Next, it will be interesting to see how long before stretch occurs, or whether continual tweaking will be needed over a gig / rehearsal duration.
I can see the attraction of low volume articulation and responsiveness, but I don’t have any dissatisfaction with either, with the heads I am using.
I could, of course, be pleasantly surprised and find that there is another level available with calf, but I am struggling to envision an improvement commensurate to the tuning maintenance effort.
Short preliminary conclusion on my end: I won’t order one right away, but maybe I should come up and try yours.
