I need your help again...
I just acquired an “average condition” a one-owner 1970 thermo-gloss walnut stain 3ply Ludwig Jazzette kit (a 12x18 bass, 8x12 tom and 14x14 floor). And because of its heavy use the set is in remarkable condition to say the least.
The good news is… I see NO major modifications done to the set other than a small ugly 2” round decorative badge affixed on top of the bass drum where the Blue/Olive badge is located. The previous owner told me he put this funky plate on them just a few years after he brought them to keep the rail consolette nut/bolt from damaging the thin shell every time he moved them. He said one time was enough so apparently this must have been a common problem with rails during transportation?
The bad news is… some thirty years later the previous owner tried to refinish the shells himself. Up close they look bad. He applied mahogany stain over what was left of the factory thermo-gloss walnut finish. Basically he did a poor job and did not tape off the shells to prevent stain from getting inside… so the shells have streaks inside on the clear maple.
The date stamps (Nov 6, 1970) and badges (812613, 812769 and 812xxx) were not damaged although he removed one B/O from the bass drum to install that ugly plate. He told me at first he glued the ugly plate on but it popped off about a year later so he then drilled two very small holes to keep it in place. Oh no... extra hole!!! Thank God they are not from some big ole ugly MIJ tom mount!!!
Okay, here's my PROBLEM… should, I restore them back to as close as possible to 1970 thermo-gloss walnut stain… OR should, I just wrap them? Who in the vintage drum world knows how to restore thermo-bloss? I understand the collectors value on these are long gone BUT they are still what they are... a 1970 Ludwig Jazzett matching numbers set.
So, if you go to my photo site you can see what I’m talking about. HELP, I need your option please. ENJOY the photos!
http://s1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag142/Osahead2/Nov%201970%20Ludwig%20Jazzette/#!cpZZ1QQtppZZ16