You are correct! Most of the MIJ stuff is Slingerland knock-offs. The story is Bud was not as vigilent as the others...it costs money to persue trademark and patent infringements and he was notoriously "tight", some might even say a cheapskate....This is one of those lovely 3 ply shells. While you are on the hardware hunt, let me make a few suggestions that will ultimately make this a durable, lasting and playble drum. It all starts with a little sandpaper...100 and 220 grit multipurpose is your friend. Sand the interior smooth to your desire of either 100 or 220, just all in how much effort you want to put into it. Next, sand the edges smnooth. This should be done down to the 220 level. Do not change the contour of the edges. Roundover the outer collar edge and smooth them as good as you can get them. **If there are any gouges or dents and dings, you should fill those with Plastic Wood, use this brand, it lasts as the other stuff is more likely to fail.** Then after you have the surface as smooth as you like, clean the dust off completely and tape the mounting holes, from the exterior. Lacquer the interior of the shell with 1-3 coats. Make sure you get the edges lacquered as well. Once all the hardware is cleaned and the springs are wrapped with cotton, put it all back together and tune it up. You're done! The tone will be thunderous! And you may even want to add it to your gigging kit for a new sound.
I agree very much with the sanding part - but wholeheartedly disagree with the laquering part!
I have spend hours getting rid of other peoples folly of laquering nice drums on the inside - I think it makes the drums sound too hard and not at all woody.
The point is - some like it and some don´t. Make sure you like it before you laquer them. Or maybe the opposite - make sure you feel your drums lack attack and presence before you do. That´s what laquer can do. If you like them warm and soft, don´t.
Regards
Jon
