[COLOR="DarkRed"]Well...in one respect....

for luckydrummin'...the bar isn't set all that high....to exceed.

I mean, the concept as described by lucky-d, sounds way cooler than the example given above. The idea of actual printed images under a finish coat...that'd be cool...I have a piano bench which I found on the sidewalk a few years ago which someone customized in that way...and it really is hecka cool...[/COLOR]

haha, Thanks for the vote of confidence Jaye...

I'm definitely wanting a glossier look than that, but I definitely appreciate the image being posted. I like those Trick Lugs.

Another question...

The lugs on these drums are hollow, but they don't use a spring inside. Would I find any benefit from putting felt inside of them, or is that only to keep the spring from vibrating?

[COLOR="DarkRed"]Yeah, they have the rubber inserts, then ? No need for felts. the felts were there for the reason you described. So..unless you actually have heard something vibrating in the lugs when you play, no need to do so.[/COLOR]

The big trick is gonna be that finish coat. How to do it without messing up the collage underneath. And will it be able to withstand some nicks and jolts ?

You could try a shelac(spelling?) sealer. It is alcohol based and can be used with any product, a sort of universal finnish. Dries real quick.