How funny, you don't see any of these now I see two of them in a week!!! I love the way it looks now, I don't know any plating co. that does Nickel, and if you find one please post where and who?, Mike Curotto maybe the guy to ask send him a PM, finding the adjustment knob on a first generation 3 point is going to be a tough one. I have a forum brother with a professional on the way can't wait for it's arrival.

I have a source for plating through my Drumtech. (I'm in Australia, BTW).

I've been told that nickel plating is the first stage of chrome plating. Even if something is accidentally chrome plated, the chrome can be easily removed to reveal the nickel. I've seen the results. Very nice. I've just never heard of a comparison made pre and post plating in the case of a drum like mine that's been stripped.

I agree, looks very cool as is.

Yes, I'll probably ask Mike's opinion. Thanks, vm2k.

I forgot you are down under, and your correct about the plating process, I think mike would be the guy to ask. since he has had it performed on some of his drums. thank you for the sound comparison, I have the ludwig's don't have a slingerland YET? oh your Slingerland Professional dates from 1934 to 1941, this was the last example of this fine snare drum being the single bead and not the original triple bead metal shell model.

I just thought who to contact down under, Dno is a member here on the VDF from Australia also he knows metal inside and out surely he knows who can do it, http://www.vintagedrumforum.com/member.php?u=3419

Loop, as nickel is a fairly "soft" metal as well as brass, I can't see it would make much sonic difference as it would not be changing the "hardness" of the shell in any appreciable way, at least not enough anyone over 35 could hear that subtle of a difference. Once the harder chromium is added to the mix of brass, copper, nickel and then finally chromium, you have added several layers of hardness so the change in tone would be noticeable.

Thanks, Jonni. So, can one assume that chrome, adding a harder layer to the brass, would impart a drier sonic quality? I have a '62 COB which is much drier and controlled than my 1920s NOB snares, but it's also heavier with it's solid brass imperial lugs. The Slingerland professional is comparatively lighter.

@ VM2K: Thanks for the dating refinement. And I do know Dno, although he's in Perth (almost distance from NY to LA). Am very keen to get I'm touch with Mike now, if he has replated full shells.

Tool and die manufactures can help you with plating companies. I work in the plastic extrusion business, and in my hometown of 18,000, there is 4 that will do nickel....also strip, repolish, and plate..... My company works with all four, and drop parts off every day. Anyone needing some help, pm me, as I would be more than willing to help out. Seems that the biggest part is getting in the door, as they feel that it doesn't justify the paperwork cost. I took 10 items for a truck I was restoring to a chrome shop (had them polished before dropping them off), picked up the next day, for $100 in a handshake...

To add the year of your drum it came in Nickel and chrome finish, the chrome option was offered in 1936,,Dno is your guy he works with marine grade stainless steel for a living, he's your guy. Your environmental law's are they as Restrictive as the US laws are for plating etc?