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60's Pearl bass drum restoration - LONG time coming!

Posts: 657 Threads: 40

Sometimes a restoration just takes a long, long time. Some of you might relate to this...

About 10 years ago I found a couple MIJ floor toms in blue sparkle, one of which was a Tempro, made by Pearl. (http://www.vintagedrumforum.com/showthread.php?t=9747) Then, maybe a year or 2 later, I found a no-name, Pearl made 12" rack tom in blue sparkle that was in decent, original condition that sounded great. Not long after that, I had to move into an apartment and most of my drums went into storage. But, of course, that didn't stop the obsessive Craigslist searching!

So a couple months after moving I see a CL ad for a 20" Pearl bass drum that needed to be fixed up. It was flat black so it wasn't a drum I had any use for. However, I noticed that the badge was the older 60's style and I didn't think that they were doing solid color wraps at that time.

I was curious, so I decided to contact the seller and investigate. The drum was not in great shape, but the price was low, so it wouldn't be too much of a loss if I couldn't get anywhere trying to revive it.

Here are a couple pics:

Posted on 5 years ago
#1
Posts: 657 Threads: 40

I suspected there might be something underneath what appeared to be latex paint. So I got a bottle of Goof Off and an old t-shirt and got to work...

Posted on 5 years ago
#2
Posts: 657 Threads: 40

A lot of fumes to duck, but... Finally!

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Pearl blue spk bd 07.jpg
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Posted on 5 years ago
#3
Posts: 657 Threads: 40

Got to sanding the interior and gave the edges some love:

Posted on 5 years ago
#4
Posts: 657 Threads: 40

Meticulously polished the lugs and other bits that were present:

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Pearl blue spk bd 11.jpg
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Posted on 5 years ago
#5
Posts: 657 Threads: 40

Had to move again, and the drum sat.

And sat.

Annnnnnnnnddddd sat. (Talking like another 5 years. No, I'm not married.)

1 attachments
Pearl blue spk bd 12.jpg
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Posted on 5 years ago
#6
Posts: 657 Threads: 40

After hunting down some period correct t-rods and claws, and springing for new hoops, it was finally, FINALLY ready to be put back together!

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Pearl blue spk bd 13.jpg
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Posted on 5 years ago
#7
Posts: 657 Threads: 40

And together with the 12" and 14" toms...

Took waaaay too long, but I'm glad it finally came together!

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Pearl blue spk bd set 01.jpg
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Posted on 5 years ago
#8
Posts: 605 Threads: 25

Wow, the hard work really paid off! They look like they were made for each other. I'm a sucker for sparkle finishes even though they are pretty common.

What are your plans for your "new kit"? I hope your not going to throw them back in storage now?:eek:

PS - married guys get more slack for getting nothing done on the things they love!:D

Posted on 5 years ago
#9
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