Hello, all!

Last week I found a 14x16 floor tom to match my 1998 Gretsch set. Serial number puts it in 1985/86 timeframe. Same finish (gloss walnut) and absolutely mint condition. The only issue is that there are no mounts for floor tom legs at all. The previous owner was using it as a bass drum in a studio.

My question is going to be a (probably) silly one: I want to use this drum as a floor tom, so I need legs.

Option 1 (and I'm starting out this direction) is to replace some of the lugs with INDE BR-3 lugs (the model that allows FT legs). I've done that before on Slingerland drums, but I have two frustrations with it. The first is getting the four legs set to the right lengths so the drum doesn't totter around (I know, it's a minor frustration.) The second is the INDE lug is pretty big, and it will not match the hardware on the other floor tom. (The lady in my life actually supports my drum habit, but she also expects me to have them "presentable" to guests: dusted and polished, etc.)

Option 2 is to drill and mount Gretsch hardware. I have the necessary skills to drill the shells cleanly and it will look like factory. But my worry is reducing the value of the shell. But does a virgin 14x16 have much more value over a normal 14x16 floor tom?

So, I'm asking for opinions... what are your thoughts? Thanks!

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