A beautiful kit! I'm glad that you finally found the snare. I understand how one can treasure these old beauties after all the time and effort that goes into restoration. I've done the same thing. I know that I've overpaid in some instances but, to me, it was worth it! Again, fantastic looking drums, sir!!!
Brian
Wow ! nice wrap manEye Ball
Well-stated, Tom! Welcome to the crazy world of vintage drum restoration!
Brian
I am guilty of paying what I thought was a lot for a MIJ snare. But, as stated, I had the rest of the kit!And from what I understand, my Star Fantasia kit is not that common. but I could be wrong...I even remember discussion as to whether a matching snare even existed. So when I saw it on ebay, after years of obsessive searching, thinking I'd never find one, I said, "That's my snare."My max bid was $175, but it only took $105 to win it...well worth it.
I think it's completely reasonable to spend more than you'd normally spend on a drum to match a kit you have. I'd do the same. If just being bought because they're old and look cool, then they start to look a bit expensive.
In my opinion, you are absolutely right, Andrew. We're all here for a short time. If spending a few extra dollars on something that doesn't hurt anyone or deprive a loved one of any necessity of life then why not? If these old drums bring pleasure in a world wrought with strife, then, by all means, put a smile on your own face!
Brian
Freakin' amazing! That is one of the hardest to find snares on the planet! You have scored so big. There is a guy in Sweden that would possibly pay you 3X what you paid! I am simply amazed you found it, no matter the number of lugs. The shell looks to me to be a 5 ply, mid 70-71 shell.
I reworked the bearing edges and lacquered the interior with four thin coats. I fitted a standard Remo bottom snare head and an Aquarian Studio X on top. It had the original wires on it still, and my intention was to switch to some PureSounds, but when I put the originals back on in the meantime, I got a killer sound! I'm afraid I'll never get it back if i switch them out. Also gives a great rim shot, which I love to use...think Walk, Don't Run intro...This was my first lacquer job and I think it really does work. It now has such a great pop...My intention is to do the 13' and 16" toms as well, but use Granitone in the bass drum. Problem is, right now the whole kit is sounding so good all around, I'm afraid to mess with anything!
Sweet edges! I may have you cut a few for me! I normally do mine by hand, but if you can do that on a Sears router table....
I have one and my bits are not that good...or I just don't know what I am doing yet...or possibly haven't spent enough on good Harbor Freight bits...LoLoLoLo
Actually Jonni, I re-did the bearing edges by hand and this SUPER RARE snare was my first attempt! What the hell was I thinking?? I could have rendered it unplayable....
They did turn out awesome, though. Even with a woodworking background, I was a still nervous, but once I got going, it was quite easy.
I know it has made the difference, along with the lacquer job, in the great sound it has now.
Thanks to Jonni for posting the HowTo video. I watched it twice and got to work on my edges. I'd encourage any else to try it...I found it didn't take much effort to shape the edges due to the softness of the luan.
Another trick I picked up from this forum was leveling the edge of the drum. I put a large piece of fine sandpaper on a flat marble counter top and gently rotated the drum back and forth to even up the high and low spots. This drum didn't need much and when done, it sat perfectly flat on the marble with the entire edge making even contact.
Here's my latest acquisition! Finally got a nice MIJ snare for my collection for a reasonable price. I recently discussed how MIJ snare prices are getting out of control and I'd only acquire another when if lucky enough to get it cheap!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/290620695216?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
Looks pretty clean to me! I'll post better pictures when it arrives!
Here's my latest acquisition! Finally got a nice MIJ snare for my collection for a reasonable price. I recently discussed how MIJ snare prices are getting out of control and I'd only acquire another when if lucky enough to get it cheap!http://www.ebay.com/itm/290620695216?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649Looks pretty clean to me! I'll post better pictures when it arrives!
That is a sweet drum! All original, with the original key pouch, and clean as a pin! Did he have the case and the rest of the kit? At any rate rate, that is the 3rd in blue satin flame in the last few days. Notice how this pattern continues? 3 at a time...no matter if rare American or MIJ, we still keep the trends. Strange thing, that. This finish was first shown in, but likely available before, 1970.
