The invention relates to a device for setting skin tension, in particular for use in a musical instrument such as a kettledrum. The device comprises a tensioning star provided with an engaging element for engaging an operating mechanism for adjusting the tensioning star in an axial adjusting direction, substantially parallel to a central axis of the tensioning star. The tensioning star is also provided with a plurality of arms extending substantially in radial directions of which at least a part is provided with a coupling element for coupling to a tensioning rod construction attachable to the skin. In addition, the device comprises an adjusting device for adjusting the distance between a coupling element and the central axis of the tensioning star.