I was going to have the hardware on these drums gold plated to match (more or less) the original 9x13 tom. I've changed my mind - for now anyway - and will just keep the hardware as is. The main reasons are:
1) The 16" floor tom - it's out of round a little and the hoops and t-rods just don't line up enough to suit me.
2) The 22" bass drum is nice but I had to put a new piece of ply inside. The orignal was pulled away when the original wrap was removed (not by me).
Thirdly I just can't bring myself to drill the bass drum for the rail and cymbal mounts. Even though the drum has been refinished and the vintage value is not fully there I still like the idea that it is virgin.
It will cost about $1500, maybe more, to gold plate all the external parts. For now I can't see spending that kind of money on two out of three of the shells that are not 9 out of 10 at least.
I may change my mind though....
I have all the parts for the snare, bass and floor tom. The 3ply 6.5x14 snare shell is almost finished and will be sent from Pennsylvania soon. Same builder that build my LangPercussion shell is doing the snare........Will Tillman.
I went with a new shell because I was not having any luck finding one on eBay. When I did find one it turned out to be a 6ply and I sent it back.
I've lined up a local painter and met with him last week. I'm still going to paint the drums to match .....close as I can....the original 9x13 tom.
For now here are some family photos I took this morning.
I have the LangPercussion 7x14 sitting in for now. I spent the better part of last week threading and tweaking new Gut Snares on this drum. What a ritual that is haha. Got them almost settled in. The drum has Orchestral grade American White Calfhide on both heads giving the drum a nice full deep tone.
