Only Admins can see this message.
Data Transition still in progress. Some functionality may be limited until the process is complete.
Processing Attachment, Gallery - 135.28184%

ROYAL brass rope tension drum

Loading...

Please meet my Royal rope tension drum.

Formerly owned by a Dutch guild, now already a few years in my possession. The reason they sold it: the carry hook snapped and the drum fell on the feet that were attached to the bottom rim. So, the rim got severely damaged (see the wood seperation in the pics). Though, I like it because of its robust character and because it fits very well in my collection of brass drums with blue rims.

The specs of the drum:

Brand: Royal Kobo, that evolved in the mid 80s from the "famous" (al least in Holland) Amsterdam based Royal drum company.

Material: brass shell, wooden hoops

Sizes: 16 x 16 inch

Date of birth: mid to late 80s

This drum is now on top of my to do list. I will post updates here when available. My aim is to get it in working order again. So, no complete restoration back into a shiny museum piece. I really like the patina on the brass that has built up in the last 20 years.

Of course, I will get the hoops repaired and give them a fress lick of paint. And I will replace the heads, not sure yet what type.

Any ideas / thought are welcome.

Grtz, Wouter

3 attachments
Posted on 8 years ago
#1
Posts: 545 Threads: 67
Loading...

That's a nice drum, Wouter. Did it use to be a snare drum? Judging by the bottom hoop?

Vintage and custom drum projects:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php...2305272732%3A6
Posted on 8 years ago
#2
Loading...

Indeed, this is a snare drum.

Originally fitted with gut wires, judging by the strainer and butt end. The drum came without wires. I'm planning to fit normal wires on it.

Posted on 8 years ago
#3
Loading...

Wouter,

Very nice drum (and with a tricky roping scheme). Good luck re-roping that one. I play rope tensioned drums. If you're not going to put calfskin heads on that, I recommend Kevlar. Very nice sound from the Kevlar, and you'll never have to worry about the batter head wearing out. Post the "after" pictures when it's done.

Thanks for sharing,

Mike

-No Guru... still learning more every day-
Posted on 8 years ago
#4
Loading...

From wouter

Indeed, this is a snare drum.Originally fitted with gut wires, judging by the strainer and butt end. The drum came without wires. I'm planning to fit normal wires on it.

I have gut snare cord for sale if you need it, that's what would have been used on the drum originally.

Posted on 8 years ago
#5
Loading...

A late response due to some business / family issues that kept me away from drums.

However here's some progress:

SHELL:

Final descision: I will leave it with the patina as it is. I polished the rims to secure easy tuning

RIMS:

Great repair of all the cracks by a local fellow drummer / carpenter, the will be named "magician" from now on. Cracks were filled with 2 component wood. Followed by new paint job. I'm very pleased with the result so far.

HEADS:

Mike: I get your point of kevlar heads, but tend more towards calf. I'm now researching "pre-fab" calf heads from LITIK

WIRES:

Still no descision on the type of wires. I have a set of 15" Puresounds lying around. Will try those first. However, the sound of gut wires attracts me too. CT_PRO: I will keep your offer in mind. Good to know!

Keep you updated! Thanks for sharing advices.

Wouter

Posted on 8 years ago
#6
Posts: 6524 Threads: 37
Loading...

CT, You need to change your callsign to CT expert.

You the man with these type of drums.

It`s a drum,.....Hit It !!

.....76/#XK9207 Phonic Sound Machine D454/D-505 snares !i
Posted on 8 years ago
#7
  • Share
  • Report
Action Another action Something else here