Traditionally, the hide is hand-tanned (Industrially tanned hides are usually damaged mechanically and don’t withstand compression); According to Katarzyna & Maciej Szymonowiczowie, "In the past, Jan Krężelok "Skotniorek" (*1897) and Jan Kawulok (1899-1976) of Istebna were doing very well the old way (in wheat acid). Recently, it was done by Józef Haratyk (1947-2010) of Koniaków. At present [i.e. in 2014; ws], only dudziarz [piper] Edward Byrtek of Pewel Wielka [ESE of Żywiec] is still able to tan hide in the traditional way"; They also mention that "the oldest copies of Gajdy have the fur turned inward, [but] 20th century instruments may have the fur outside".

Usually the skin of a she-goat (length: 530-650 mm, width: 200-350 mm); The skin of a billy-goat is less frequently applied, because it has an unpleasant odour; During their field researches, Katarzyna & Maciej Szymonowiczowie noted only one gajdy (owned by Maciej Rosenberg (*1973) of Wisła) with a bag made of a roe-deer.

Cepek