Hello marko

and thank you for the encouraging reply

lots of good info I was not aware of

I was thinking the "U" shaped rod was something exclusive to the Pearl knock-off rail

but I was hoping that maybe I was wrong

Here is a newer picture of the set up with both of the twelve inch drums now fitted with the nickel hardware

save for the bat muffler that is Kenny

Lookin' good Kenwood. I really liked your though regarding a set that could belong to an old fire station. I've seen nickel kits with the nickel polished to just about chrome status, but the patina you have on these is really nice and its contrast to the red sparkle is very cool.

If you were to have the three shells polished, I'm thinking it could end up pretty close to new red sparkle wrap. Even so, we a bit of patience, I think you will eventually see a red sparkle floor tom show up.

Hello Dan

I hope you had a pleasant Holiday pal

Nice to hear from you

And Thanks a million about the red sparklers

Yes I am torn between making the nickel shine or leaving it alone

As for the floor tom I will be patient until I find the two 14" hoops and twelve long rods

by then if an original shell can not be found

I might see if the wrap down at Village Drum is close at all?

depending on that I may ask if they can do a tape job on the wrap instead of the all over glue job

This way I can have a somewhat reasonable match for the kit

while still having an eye peeled for the real McCoy

This way once found I can use this floor tom on another project down the line

without the work of stripping a glued down wrap and dealing with all that glue residue

Almost done with these "twin twelve" club dates

I took my mahogany stained (formerly a duco ) 14x14 floor tom shell

down to Anthony at Village Drum and Music

Here in North Scituate Rhode Island

Anthony re-covered the drum in red sparkle for me

and while there was some initial concern about the match

In the end I could not be happier with the result

And the fit for standard Remo coated heads was snug but not overly tight

I have been looking all over the inter-web for twelve nickel rods for the drum

But managed to scrape up ten somewhat short, but still serviceable rods from my own coffee cans here at the shop

I need one nickel ball bat muffler and those few rods and this kit is finished

"NEVER AGAIN WITH THE NICKEL STUFF" $$$

They look fantastic! Your patience paid off, and the floor tom match is perfect! Great work buddy!

Hello Jeff,

Thank you very kindly pal

The drums did turn out pretty well

I still have a plastic MIJ hoop w/red inlay on the batter side

I do have a Ludwig hoop and a new red inlay to install on it

but the hoop is a little warped so I am undecided about using it

Jeff I have a woodworking problem with another of my projects

that I would like to discuss with you if you have the time

and Thanks again about these clubbies

No problem, just PM me.