Quoted from O-lugs:"So, with that in mind, the OP was asking how to get his vintage laun tom toms to sound more like modern tom toms. I was guessing that meant a more sustaining and resonant sound. And, in that case, I think the laun wood has certain limited capabilities in that regard. I think the best approach is to try and find a specific head combination (via trial and error) that brings out as much sound as possible."I agree with this comment by O-lugs completely. And to repeat myself, more than any other drum type I think Luan requires a very careful head selection in order to sound professional. I like a "jazz tuning" , if you know what I mean- so a higher tuning with only a .50 second of sustain and then cut. That`s why I choose 2-ply heads for batter and reso. Luan can do a nice jazz tuning like this just fine. But I can see how getting a boom and ring out of Luan will take real experimentation. I might be possible with Remo clears on top and bottom. Anyone ever try high quality "resos" on both sides? Also, you might need RIMS mounts as well. (This is sacreligious in my opinion)
I know some people love their luan kits, and I wouldn't try to convince anyone otherwise. But from my perspective, once you're looking at the expense of new heads on both sides and RIMS mounts to add resonance, it just makes more sense to buy a maple kit. Some of the modern imports are great--I love the PDP and Gretsch Catalina lines, and while they'll never be as inexpensive as (say) a CB Percussion kit, they can be very affordable.
My first kit was luan, and I struggled with it for a year before selling it and buying a better kit used. After another year of trolling the classifieds (remember those? :)) I found my old Gretsch kit and never looked back. In the end, I paid the same for my Gretsch kit (with cymbals, including an Istanbul K!) as I did when I bought that first luan kit new from the music shop.
It's still possible to find good deals on drums made from higher-end materials, and to my mind it ends up being cheaper and less frustrating than trying to get a luan kit to sound like a maple one.
Then again, I see that the OP found a head combination that makes him happy, so more power to him!
