[COLOR="DarkRed"]Interesting idea, the Presto Plates...but I can see why he doesn't sell many. It is a bit of an...indelicate...solution, IMHO.

Doesn't seem hard to make one yourself.

I would start with using a scrap shell of the diameter of your snare shell. Cut it out to whatever shape necessary, finish the edges cleanly, and make it thick enough (i.e. use a scrap shell thickness sufficient) to countersink the mounting screws for the holes BOTH into the shell and for the new strainer. This way, all screws sit flush with the exposed and unexposed faces of the wood plate, so it can sit flush to the drumshell.

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This is from a much earlier post before I knew of Presto.

"Basically, it was 3/16" sheet aluminum cut to mount in the existing

holes, with corresponding holes for the new throw. Mounted with nylon

spacers, you were able to bring the tub up to date with no additional

drilling".

Ugly yes, but worked just fine...

Again, drilling is a Death Cab for collectors.

:2Cents:

Thanks for the suggestions guys. The guitar player in my band, who's more handy than I am, happened to have some leftover pickguard material from a guitar that he built, and that looks promising- flexible but quite sturdy as well. I'm going to give that a try. I'll post my results here. Thanks again!

[COLOR="DarkRed"]That's NOT a bad idea at all. tell us what happens ;)

Just the ultimate pickle when dealing with vintage: stay original, but have to deal with hardware which really isn't of great design or operating ability...or upgrade to something more practical/functional at the cost of impacting the vintage value of the kit.....[/COLOR]