Do you want to keep it original?

Mouse

Well, I would like to keep it original, but I dont know if it would be too practical to hunt down a complete original strainer, knowing the issues they had with durability. (Speaking specifically about the strainer arm, of course. The rest of the strainer is actually fine.)

What do you think, Mouse?

this one worked well for me, from DSH about 12 bucks. I used it on my original kent snare, as I recall the hole alignment was about a quarter inch off, you could use it by elongating both holes, or just drill another.

Mouse may be able to find you an original if you wish to keep the drum original, he's the best Kent guy I know of. They do show up on ebay occasionally, although they're not the greatest. Good luck!

Ron

What do I think, well I say keep it original.

The reason the handle breaks off is because people force it when turning the snares back on, I've never broke one and I gig with Kent snares all the time.

Loosen the snare adjustment before turning the snares on, then adjust the tension of the snares to the sound you like. Also make sure the strainer is lubed, Kent strainers are over 40 and 50 years old, and yours looks it.

I do have a Kent replacement strainer if your interested. If keeping it original is no big deal, then go for the newer and much better one.

Kent strainers are their worst feature, they should have stayed with an earlier one they used, I'm sure cost had something to do with it.

Mouse

My first set was a 60's era red sparkle Kent. I don't know what model it was but I'm pretty sure it only had 12 snares. I never could get it sounding good but I was just a kid so who knows what it's real capability was.

Thanks everyone for your imput.

Mouse, have you ever heard of anyone welding an arm back onto the strainer? This is something I'm seriously considering. It seems like it would be the best of both worlds, I would keep the original strainer on the drum, but it would be much stonger (and therefore more useable.)

If this idea turns out to be a bust, I think I'm gonna go with the Gibraltar piccolo strainer and make the modification - enlarge one of the holes/drill a new hole. I dont wanna do it, but I'm sick of fussing around with this thing.

cn679,

I'm sure you can weld it on, I didn't know you still had the arm, try it.

Mouse

Just thinking, I looked back at your Kent Strainer photo, and I say no, don't try to weld that rusted piece of crap. Did you not see what I said? I have an old new stock Kent strainer for you, why? Because I'm a good guy, do you want it? It's free!!! Sorry, just having some fun after a long day, let me know. And please don't drill another hole in that drum, I may own it someday? Just kidding, NOT...lol

Mouse

Mouse, pm me your email address, we should talk...