That sux. I really think that is a bit high tho. Was it you and Mr. BF from the top down to where you were more comfortable? I guess what I am asking is if he picked up the bid and beat you up from like a 100bucks, or did he sneak in at the end where you were in it with others? The reason I ask is because if you had the bid at a hundred, and can get them for that, I would suggest that is about the real price for these shells, considering you have a bit of work.
I spent about 3 hours yesterday tuning on my drums. I tried high, low in between, everything and I was about to give up, thinking they will not be more than just very pretty, practice drums. Then I thought about the tuning video Bob Gatzen does on the Evans site. So, I went to the bass, I had it sounding OK. Not what I wanted, but not too bad, a bit ringier than I wanted. I followed the video to a tee, now it it is Thor, on steroids. It is pumping an Attack single ply no overtone batter side, a 45+ year old batter with a light coat of spray paint-Rustoleum indoor/outdoor satin, enough to control the the Attack head with no meaningful change to the bearing edge. Then I turned to the floor tom. Again, it is a bit ringy. Not too much, but more than I want. So I tried the bass tuning approach on it, viola, it came right up, again very large and thunderous. Now it is time for the mounted tom, which has really been giving me fits, and I can't stand the ringieness, very high and ear splitting. So, what do I have to lose? I try it again using the bass tuning method on a high tom. Once more, it goes to the spot, sweet as dark honey. So now this kit has found it's tone and lovely, velvety voice. Using Evans' EC2 top and Attack single res, it is a very thunderous kit, not much for range, but remember, these shells have been altered with the addition of the curly maple veneer, effectively making these 4 pl shells. So this kit now has a name. So when I can afford to invest in more heads, I will again do some tuning. I really don't want to ruin the aesthetic value of the new veneer interiors by putting Ambassadors or Emperors, or any other coateds, so if you, or anyone for that matter, has any suggestions, I am open. But since I really love thunder, I don't know that I will change much about them, other than maybe the resos...and then maybe to snare bottoms, as I have found the Evans Hazy reso heads to work nicely for these old drums, and the 200 or heavier are the ones. I know, but they just work so well.....
Anyway, if you manage to get the second chance on them, let me know, I have some success with these shells. If you have some of them, you know, if not, they are nice. One good thing is there is enough room the experiment a little bit with the edges. I like the old school, rounder type on these thin shells. And I have also coated the interiors with lacquer, and I will do this with all of my thinner shells from now on, as for the MIJ shells. It just adds a character to them, and new resonance that will allow them to live and breathe for another 50 years.
