Okay, so you all know me as the Kent-lover and this relates to a Kent tom, but it may apply to other makers as well.
Here's the problem - My recent kit resto project includes a mounted tom with the diamond plate style, slip on mount (like a mid 60's Ludwig). I fitted the tom with new heads, tuned it up nice and it rings like a church bell - this is the good part. The bad part is, the moment I slip the drum onto the tom holder, it sounds like it's been stuffed with cotton balls. Off the tom mount, and it sings. On the mount and it's "thud".
Has anyone else had this problem and if so, is there a way to deal with it, other than not using the tom mount? I've currently got the tom on a snare stand and it's much better, but still not as open and ringy as it is when I hold it by the hoop and strike it. I'd like to avoid fitting it with a RIMS style mount as I think it ruins the "vintage look".
For reference, my other Kent set has the post style tom mount (which intrudes into the shell), but it sings like a bird.
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. If pics are needed, let me know and I'll post 'em up as quick as I can.