Search
Register
Only Admins can see this message.
Data Transition still in progress. Some functionality may be limited until the process is complete.
Processing Attachment, Gallery - 137.68685%

Replacement Heads for Arbiter Flats?

Posts: 2242 Threads: 380

As I mentioned in another section, I am trying to help a friend refurbish his Arbiter Flats drum kit. It's very unique but, not something I'd be too interested in owning or playing. I replaced a beat up original 14 inch tom head with a Remo Clear Pinstripe and it worked perfectly! When I threw the 12 inch Pinstripe on, it would not tune no matter how many times I tried. I googled a bit and it seems like this is a common problem. Does anyone know of a 12 inch replacement head with a very narrow collar? I believe that narrow collars are the trick to actually replacing and tuning these creatures. I am beginning to hate these bloody drums! Thanks very much,

Brian

Just a drummer who loves all things about vintage drums! Nothing more, nothing less.
Posted on 8 years ago
#1
Posts: 668 Threads: 39

Ludwig heads seem to have a narrow collar.

Posted on 8 years ago
#2
Posts: 2242 Threads: 380

From jerrysterken

Ludwig heads seem to have a narrow collar.

Thanks very much for the reply, Jerry! I know you're right. I tried a Ludwig on the 14 incher and it wouldn't tune. Tomorrow, I'll travel to a fairly big music shop in a nearby city and try a Ludwig 12 incher. These Arbiters are very interesting drums but, VERY quirky! Thanks again ,Jerry.

Brian

Just a drummer who loves all things about vintage drums! Nothing more, nothing less.
Posted on 8 years ago
#3
Posts: 1651 Threads: 215

After reading this I figured I'd do a google and see if this was a common issue, and yep! Someone said the Evans 360 heads should fit nice. I can believe that as they fit more drums than other heads, and I don't think they have a thick collar either. Might be another avenue to check out.

Also - that same poster made mention that he bought new pinstripes and they worked on the 10" and 14" but not on the 12". So there is some flaw with those 12" Flats.

18 Kits & 40+ snares..
Not a Guru, just addicted to drums

- Jay
Posted on 8 years ago
#4
Posts: 2242 Threads: 380

Hi, Jay!

Thank you very much! I am truly appreciative of your efforts. I'll check out the 360's tomorrow! Again thank you, sir.

Brian

Just a drummer who loves all things about vintage drums! Nothing more, nothing less.
Posted on 8 years ago
#5
Posts: 2242 Threads: 380

The 14 incher tunes to a Remo Pinstripe quite nicely, But I tried out about six or seven 12 inchers including Remos and a couple of Evans, nothing would work! I've ordered a couple of Arbiter 12 inchers from England (not Arbiter Flats Lites though) which should be mailed soon. The seller doesn't seem to be in a great hurry. He assures me they will work. We'll see. I must have been crazy to take on this project! At least the Simoniz Scratch Remover and Simoniz Trim and Plastic Restorer work well on the ABS material from which the "shell", ring and "rim" are composed.

Brian

Just a drummer who loves all things about vintage drums! Nothing more, nothing less.
Posted on 8 years ago
#6
  • Share
  • Report
Action Another action
Something else here