Update: the #2 drum is done!
Sounds decent- ambassador top and bottom plus the nicer set of snappy Taiwan snares. I haven't invested quality time with it but no buzzes and everything works as it should.
As suspected, one side does not screw all the way in, but that doesn't even hamper installing the snares, let alone normal function. Fastest snare set up out there. Perfectly centered faster than you can tie off a snare cord. It looks intimidating but it is a slick and simple mechanism. Quiet too.
Not as sensitive as a rediculous Montineri I tried out at his shop in the 90's... that was a 12-lug symphonic model and man you could play on the bearing edge and get snare response. I was literally bouncing my nylon tips off the top hoop trying to find the limit- there wasn't one. That was awesome.
Anyway, here's some photos from today. (Second photo is the #1 all waxed and ready to start assembly)