I like how you appear to have attended a number of "bastions of brain juice".

I was a downstate boy. I think I've only been to the UP once. It seems to me more convenient to Wisconsin or Minnesota.

I don't know why Towers would be sweet. I'm new to drums in anything but a visual sense (always vintage for me in that regard), but what I lack in experience I think I make up for in reading comprehension. I look for posts that seem credible and this one seemed very credible when I was doing my research-- Some guy looking to do basically the same thing I am, putting a set together for the studio. I liked this response:

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/1512428-post8.html

That post and from there I decided that beavertail lugged models from Cleveland or Dayton would be best for my sonic and aesthetic needs (VERY 60s) so the one I bought seemed right in the sweet spot. Ploughman and Tommyj(?) have been very helpful as well along with others and I thank them all.

If anyone has any views on your question or the specific snare I bought I'd love to hear it. Too bad this thread is in "restoration" as that's not really the subject!

I would suggest you start that thread. It would be a fascinating read. Thanks for the posting of that response. That was a cool take on vintage drums. You should do very well with that snare. Looks cool.

Hey fellows I had a Vernors with my pizza last night... that fizz always makes me cough at least once... I love that stuff. It's been sold in Ohio for years... I didn't realize it was a regional product.

Knavel... man what a great offer on the drum, I'll be here so let me know. I think you got a good deal on that snare. I love my Tower, very simple snare.

There is great snare comparison video out there on the Internet some place. Matched mic'ing, stands, piece.. etc.

Vernors was definitely regional, at least back in the day to those of old old folks who remember it with the old "real" taste where the coughing was intense. "When I was your age......" I still recall seeing its burned out plant's disused neon sign driving into Detroit for years and years. Might still be there? Don't think so.

I look forward to getting that snare. I definitely think it's faded, but champagne. I realize now the right question to have asked that seller was the color where the mute was removed. I asked him about something else and this was his response.

"There is no discolorations,except a tiny bit around the muffler holes".

Take care Jim. I'll do an epilogue massive post someday when everything is finally set up here in Italy. I am going for the ultimate Mitch Mitchell sort of thing with 2 floor toms and a ride. The Tower will be the studio snare if the Gretsch sounds like it has permanant socks stuffed in it.

Makes me laugh that for less than $25 more I get a snare that represents America's high water mark of instrument production using quality wood, vs a run of the mill toy from China now.

http://drums-percussion.musiciansfriend.com/product/Orbitone-5-x-14-Snare-Drum-Kit-?sku=445598

I'm up in Detroit on business.... no Vernor's sign that I could find, but they do still have a Vernor's Street. :(

Sorry to see the other thread on this snare and the extra holes.. it sure looked good on the listing.

I think the sign is long gone.

Here is what it looked like at the end and below that, back in the day.

http://myartspage.blogspot.com/2008/01/vernors-sign.html