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The cost of restoring our vintage drums!

Posts: 6363 Threads: 223

From salty 1322

"How much did it cost?" Those are five heart-wrenching words, my friend! I usually just lie. Makes things easier. Brian

LoLoLoLo

Brian! Sometimes you're right! I decided to be honest this time!

-Mark

Posted on 7 years ago
#11
Posts: 6287 Threads: 375

Yep, I added it up on this Kent tom shell conversion to snare drum and it totaled over $300.00....

Will I do more resto/conversions.....YES...

Did I enjoy the process and results.....YES...

Will I add up the Real Costs again....probably not....:)

Kevin
Posted on 7 years ago
#12
Posts: 6432 Threads: 290

From FFR428

Your not alone by a long shot. I did these a few years ago. Started with nice shells, no extra holes and beautiful WMP wrap. Added a 2nd 16" floor. All lugs and hardware had to be purchased. Bass hoops are Slingerland. And some non original tension rods. Everything else is Rogers. Not many like the B&B lugs. Fragile etc..... Still working on them and need more to make 100% original. But close enough to play and enjoy for now. I stopped counting at $1000. Has to be close to $1300+ as she sits. Learned a lot on how expensive a bare shell project can cost too. Did it stop me from doing more crazy stuff??? Nope :D Embarrassed to say what I have into into a early 50's 20"x16" RK floor tom alone. Well about the same as your Rogers tom was. That was another bare shell project, no wrap, parts etc..... At least as much as the other RK 22-16-13 drums cost together. Ha! But at least I have everything to finish it. I'm sure a sucker for those bare shell projects!! Please don't tell my wife!!!

Glenn love seeing those Rogers, beautiful job!


Thank you!
Jeff C

"Enjoy every sandwich" Warren Zevon
Posted on 7 years ago
#13
Posts: 6432 Threads: 290

From kevins

Yep, I added it up on this Kent tom shell conversion to snare drum and it totaled over $300.00....Will I do more resto/conversions.....YES...Did I enjoy the process and results.....YES...Will I add up the Real Costs again....probably not....:)

Never seen this drum Kevin, that is awesome!


Thank you!
Jeff C

"Enjoy every sandwich" Warren Zevon
Posted on 7 years ago
#14
Posts: 5356 Threads: 87

Thank you Jeff!

Glenn.

Not a guru just havin fun with some old dusty drums.
Posted on 7 years ago
#15
Posts: 5550 Threads: 576

This is our biggest problem parts !

And people selling drums don't realize how expensive and hard to find missing parts when you tell them why you can't pay there price , or low ball so much that's the hard cold facts that's why I limited my purchases to complete drums or if it's rare and missing a few I can go with it , but no bottom hoops and t rods is bad enough...let alone strainers wires etc...

April 2nd 1969 scarfed pink champagne holly wood and 65/66 downbeat snare, and , supra same year very minty kit old pies
66/67 downbeat with canister
Super 400 small round knob
1967 super classic obp





once the brass ceases to glitter, and the drum looses its luster, and the stage remains dark, all you have left is the timbre of family.
Posted on 7 years ago
#16
Posts: 1459 Threads: 87

Sometimes it is more cost effective to purchase a donor drum and move parts. Bargains are out there with shells in rough shape, but usable hardware.

You can tell you wife the time (and money) spent on the project was offset by the savings from not being in a casino, strip club, late night bar or playing poker with your buddies.

Might actually realize some savings in the long run!

Posted on 7 years ago
#17
Posts: 1537 Threads: 117

Great thread. Can be a spendy hobby. For me it is the challenge of the hunt for missing bits. The day these showed up was fun. Now to get the FT back in round...

L and I don't ask each other that question on stuff. Works well.

Creighton

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Nothing special here but I like them.
Posted on 7 years ago
#18
Posts: 5356 Threads: 87

Creighton love those Duco Rk's of yours!!! Glad you got em. You really go the extra mile to get everything matching and correct.

Glenn.

Not a guru just havin fun with some old dusty drums.
Posted on 7 years ago
#19
Posts: 1880 Threads: 292

I feel your pain as well.. Restoring vintage early 80's Ludwig Rocker II's and Super classic shells turned out to cost more than the drums themselves, which i paid a "whopping" $300 Cdn. for... The custom wrap cost $300, extra new and vintage classic lugs cost me $200, and of course drum heads were another $200, and the cleaning and maintenance products another $35.. So in all, not counting buying shells-- $735.00 Cdn. to restore shells that cost $300, not to mention the elbow grease and effort put into all of it.. Lucky for me, i've got a hardware and auto store within a 5 minute walk from my place..

Results were both satisfying and gratifying, not to mention that i felt damn good and proud of myself when seeing the finished results of my first rewrap and resto job.. Bottom line, we all love what we do, and part of doing that can sometimes mean sacrifice. Sacrifice with time, energy, and yes, even conflict (or a rolling of the eyes :rolleyes:)

with loved ones (thanks wives/girlfriends :D)..

Posted on 7 years ago
#20
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