Bearing edges - Shall I Re-cut??? 60's Ludwig

[mrludwig]

I bought this kit on ebay about 2 weeks ago. It's a 3 piece Ludwig Downbeat from 1961-1969. I recently took of both sets of heads and examined the bearing edges. I laid down the drums on a flat-ish surface and found that the drums aren't perfectly flat. I've taken some pictures and i'm wondering whether to get the edges re-cut. The edges that come into contact with the head are not even. I've heard that 45 degree cuts into each side of the edge are the best when it comes to transferring energy from the head to the shell. But then I've also heard that re-cutting might 'spoil' the classic Vintage tone.

- I'd really appreciate it if people could help me out here. Thanks
George

- Please tell me what condition you think the bearing edges are in. And whether it's worth getting them re-cut or 'trued'. Thanks

[Fllx]

I think I might have the same problem with my 70's big beats. Mine seem to be flat but the thickness of the bearing edges is irregular. I have seen a few drums of the same era with similar problems and I wonder if it's just the way they were made. Anyway, without some pictures it's really hard to say if it's worth the trouble.

[lucky]

There are a lot of conflicting opinions on this topic. I feel that if you are going to play them then make them as good as possible. Personally I wouldn't change the angle of the edge, just true it up. Keep the original vintage profile.

[mcjnic]

clickity clickity click. That was me typing...

I agree!

Keep them as close to original as possible.

click

[mrludwig]

Hey, I've uploaded pics now. Can any one answer the question
thanks

[kevins]

Originally Posted by lucky

There are a lot of conflicting opinions on this topic. I feel that if you are going to play them then make them as good as possible. Personally I wouldn't change the angle of the edge, just true it up. Keep the original vintage profile.

mcjnic:

clickity clickity click. That was me typing...

I agree!

Keep them as close to original as possible.

click

There ya go.......

[O-Lugs]

Man! Those original edges are some of the best I've seen! Don't change a thing!

[mrludwig]

Originally Posted by O-Lugs

Man! Those original edges are some of the best I've seen! Don't change a thing!

Really? So you disagree with the others saying i should get them 'trued'?
Thanks

[Ludwig-dude]

Personally, I would leave them be, unless you have tuning issues with the drums.

[caddywumpus]

If you re-cut them, their collectability goes down. It doesn't mean they're worth any less, though. Heck, since they would be easier to tune, you'd think they would be worth more. Maybe to a "player", but definitely not to a collector or vintage drum afficianado.

My 1970 downbeat has edges that are thick, round, and totally uneven, but it is part of the kit's charm and its vintage sound. I love it and wouldn't get them re-cut.