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radio king problem

Posts: 152 Threads: 76

as a few of you may remember, i recently got a very nice set of early 50's radio kings, 24, 13, 16, with matching 14 snare. because of other obligations i'm just now getting around to putting some new heads on them. i ordered a set of earthtone heads to really accentuate the vintage vibe.

today i was trying to swap the heads on the floor tom. usually when i'm putting on a new head i'll get all the tension rods screwed in and finger tighten each one around the drum, two at a time. i couldn't do that with these heads; it looks and feels like the head is just not sitting well on the bearing edge because it's not large enough. i don't want to be restricted to aquarian vintage heads from now on; i'd like to use these earthtones. i've heard of folks using a razor blade and removing a small strip of the wrap nearest the bearing edge to lessen the diameter of the shell so a regular head fits better. notwithstanding the heresy involved, has anyone tried this and does it work?

Posted on 14 years ago
#1
Posts: 6288 Threads: 375

Those Earthtones are handmade, I believe... goatskin, yes?

I'd try swapping them with those folks, explaining the problem you are having.

Kevin
Posted on 14 years ago
#2
Posts: 152 Threads: 76

i'm afraid i'd have the same problem. i don't think the diameter of the earthtone's varies that much, at least that's what they told me on the phone. basically they're about the same diameter as the equivalent remo head.

Posted on 14 years ago
#3
Posts: 1918 Threads: 60

This is simple. Ask yourself this question ...

Do I want to permanently damage my non-replaceable Vintage Radio King drum (cutting the wrap) just so that I can fit a sub-par goat head on a drum that was built for calf?

What Would You Do
Posted on 14 years ago
#4
Posts: 152 Threads: 76

From RogerSling

This is simple. Ask yourself this question ...Do I want to permanently damage my non-replaceable Vintage Radio King drum (cutting the wrap) just so that I can fit a sub-par goat head on a drum that was built for calf?

so you would suggest getting some heads from rebeats or other similar source for authentic calf-skin without the metal collar?

Posted on 14 years ago
#5
Posts: 1918 Threads: 60

Absolutely. No doubts in my mind. Expensive, but you either want the real deal or not. Radio King drums deserve calf.

What Would You Do
Posted on 14 years ago
#6
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