Please don't do that. Keep them as original as possible.

With so many other drums to try, why pull this one`s ribs out ? If I didn`t like a perfectly good drum, I`d sell it or trade it to get another perfectly good drum.

Your idea leaves damage behind for eva !i

The center rering has nothing too do with the mounts, that was how the shells at that time period were constructed including the Radio king shells. Seriously don't alter the shell. Is the shell in question in round ?

What kind of heads are on them? You might be able to get the sound you like out of a different make and style head? If they are old calf they just might be to be replaced with something fresh. There's a few good sources for new calfskin heads. I'd certainly venture down this route vs any alterations to the shells. Those old Slingerland shells are some of the best sounding drums out there. You can also try vintage NOB hoops and keep the original wood hoops for display. I think between heads and hoops you can find what your looking for.

Thanks for your inputs everyone!

I forgot to say that - yes absolutely - I'll first investigate with several heads configurations.

At the moment, it's all calfskins and I like their sound a lot. Especially the attack, that hasn't that plasticky "tick" that bothers me with Remos. The sustain is also thicker than with plastic heads, which is definitely the kind of sound I'm after.

Now, I won't destroy those shells for sure. I think I've seen other Radio King bass drums without center rings or am I mistaking? Could anyone confirm?

I'm still wondering if those center rings make any sense nowadays? I tend to tune my heads low so there isn't a lot of tension on the shells...

The original wood hoops look fantastic and I'd like to play them as is if possible. But I need to admit that I'll probably be shy with rim shots to avoid damaging the snare's.

Now, I love that Radio King logo on the original skins but I'd be very interested to try mounting some new calfskins, too. Googling a bit, what I've found is mainly Earthtone - any other recommended source for modern style skins?

Thanks again for your inputs - very much appreciated!

yes Rk shells came with 3 and 2 re rings. the middle re ring is not the problem. if that was true why do the other shells sound pleasing ?

Try here......... Matt is also a forum member.

http://www.ctpropercussion.com/

I believe he is saying the ones without the center re-ring have the sound he is looking for.

I would not pull out the center rings either. That will cause irreparable damage to the drums. There are not a ton of Radio Kings left out there.

No he isn't he thinks the shells he has with the 3 re rings are the problem due too the center ring, but yet he likes the way the other shells he has sounds which are the same 3 ring shells.

.