Happy to provide any info I can! I'm not going anywhere... this has been one of most historical W&A threads ever!! :)

Your set was made in the mid-late 30'- early 40's... no later because W&A started using Rocket lugs in the early 1940's.

Unfortunately.. I have not come across any of the female style t-rods in my W&A collection travels. They are so rare... so is the male style lug.

I've only seen that t-rod/lug combo on drums in the W&A catalog... yours is the first I've seen on an actual kit. (just awesome)

However, W&A did make hex style female tension rods up to the 50's. I have a few snares with these lugs but no extras... sorry. Trying to think something you can use for a functional replacement... keep you posted on that.. but hope someone on this forum has the real deal for you.

Big Blue is a VERY special kit! SO glad you found her and brought her back to her true glory!

I for one think that these last few pages call for a little drink!Mind Blowi

I don't drink, but I'll 'burn one down' with you! :D

John

I've said it once and I'll say it again...this is "The Most Interesting Drum Set In The World"! I'm really digging the tutorial on the tacked calf skin job, John...super interesting...thanks. That, along with new information on "Big Blue" and W&A catalog scans, we're all at the edge of our seats! Will we see a pic of all the drums together for Christmas, perhaps?

Modified snare stand looks good. Just wondering why you don't use the original Duplus double tom stand for the 14" & 16" since you have it.

I think that would look really cool and add to the original era look.

Aaron - No way by X-mas hermano. It would be nice, but there's just too much left to do. I'm only just starting in on the 16" and then there is a 13" and an 11" toms to go. This is no, 'walk in the park.' I've had to put my Big-Boy pants on for this one. I'm using every ounce of experience and drum know-how that I can bring to the job.

Tim - The DUPLUS stands are thin/flat 'steel bands' that I'm afraid would cut into the wrap. They are also 'floppy' on the stand. The ones I have are completely rusted over. I'll post some shots of the other parts that came with the kit a little later for you so you can see what I'm talking about. It's all very cool, savable, old stuff, but right now it's roached and I wouldn't put my beautiful drums inside one of those steel bands. Ouch! I don't even like thinking about it. Would you put steel bands around one of your champ sparkle drums and then hang it from the strap??? Me neither!

Scott, Greg, Mike... any help with the following? If I can fix these two rods, all I'll be missing is the one claw.

I -have- the two T-rods that need to be replaced on the 13" rack tom. Tell me if you think they can be saved and if so, how?

More photos of the other parts and hardware that came with the kit shortly.

John

Those are definitely salvageable! A talented welder/braiser (sp?) should be able to fix the one on the right. The left one can be repaired using a vintage Gretsch or W&A t-rod. W&A made them for Gretsch in the 1930s -50s. I'll ask around! Great stuff!!

Jeremy - Thank You! Let me know if you turn anything up. What about the missing W&A claw? Do you know of a passable alternative?

Good to finally have you around. You were the 'missing link' in the thread.

Appreciate your time and help...

John

Glad to help out! Ah yes... I think a threaded claw from a marching snare would work. Remove the threaded part and you should be good to go. I'll keep that on my radar too.

Don't bother, I think I have -several- of those in my stash! Brilliant! Now where's my Dremel? :p

John