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Vista bearing edges

Posts: 246 Threads: 30

I'm sure someone's asked a similar question before, but here it goes:

I recently got a 1976 clear Vista snare, in what seemed to be mint condition. Since it cost less than $300 to get (including shipping), I was pretty hyped about it :) When it arrived and I eagerly unpacked it, I noticed that the bottom head was torn right on the bearing edge - a fairly long rip (about 1/3 of the drum's circumference) - something that did not show in the seller photos. I immediately thought that the head had been overtuned to begin with and ripped with all the bumping around. But a bit later, when I got my fingers round the bearing edge, it felt uneven: though there aren't any obvious nicks or bumps, it doesn't feel completely smooth.

I've never even seen a Vista before, so I don't really know what the bearing edges are supposed to look/feel like. Are they flat? Rounded? Angled? Double-angled?? I found a photo of a tom, where the bearing edge shows - are they all like that?? If yes, then my snare has been re-cut somehow (it doesn't look like that) and the head ripped because of a not-so-smooth edge. Mind you, the depth is at about 128mm (5.06 inches) and, if my eyes aren't playing any tricks on me, there seems to be a very slight difference of about 0.5mm around the edge.

Thanks in advance for the input

Alex

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Posted on 10 years ago
#1
Posts: 219 Threads: 1

i guess it would depend on the year, but i had a floor tom with a very flat, wide edge, with a small 45 degree countercut along the outside

it also had a bit of a "teardrop" shape at the seam where it was joined

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Posted on 10 years ago
#2
Posts: 657 Threads: 119

From Cyllocke

I'm sure someone's asked a similar question before, but here it goes:I recently got a 1976 clear Vista snare, in what seemed to be mint condition. Since it cost less than $300 to get (including shipping), I was pretty hyped about it :) When it arrived and I eagerly unpacked it, I noticed that the bottom head was torn right on the bearing edge - a fairly long rip (about 1/3 of the drum's circumference) - something that did not show in the seller photos. I immediately thought that the head had been overtuned to begin with and ripped with all the bumping around. But a bit later, when I got my fingers round the bearing edge, it felt uneven: though there aren't any obvious nicks or bumps, it doesn't feel completely smooth.I've never even seen a Vista before, so I don't really know what the bearing edges are supposed to look/feel like. Are they flat? Rounded? Angled? Double-angled?? I found a photo of a tom, where the bearing edge shows - are they all like that?? If yes, then my snare has been re-cut somehow (it doesn't look like that) and the head ripped because of a not-so-smooth edge. Mind you, the depth is at about 128mm (5.06 inches) and, if my eyes aren't playing any tricks on me, there seems to be a very slight difference of about 0.5mm around the edge.Thanks in advance for the inputAlex

They are notorious for POOR bearing edges!

Posted on 10 years ago
#3
Posts: 246 Threads: 30

Thank you for the responses, guys. I feel relieved to know that those drums were not perfect to begin with :)

After closer inspection, there seems to be something like a snarebed - or an attempt to create one - in the bottom edge. While the rest of the edge feels slightly rounded, those particular spots near the throw and the buttend feel flat. Now, the top edge feels mostly rounded, but with some very slight bumps here and there, as if someone tried to work the edges but did a bad job, or only went halfway. It still is a 5"-depth drum, so whatever happened to it was minimal, no major changes here.

I'll try to post some pics when I can - problem is I don't have a camera and I can't get a great amount of detail with my mobile.

Alex

Posted on 10 years ago
#4
Posts: 1342 Threads: 71

I have 3 vistalite kits. I don't think there is a decent bearing edge in the bunch. I wouldn't dare try to do anything with them. I just tune them up the best I can.

Posted on 10 years ago
#5
Posts: 9005 Threads: 266

Call Precision Drum Co. They are set-up with the special tools/bits/cutters to handle refurbishing the bearing edges on any acrylic, or fiberglass shells. It is not a Do It Yourself project. Acrylic shells are made from a very brittle a material and requires tools specifically made for drilling or shaping it. You can get the edges fixed... just let the pro's do it.

John

Too many great drums to list here!

http://www.walbergandauge.com/VintageVenue.htm
Posted on 10 years ago
#6
Posts: 730 Threads: 61

From Gerald Sterken

I have 3 vistalite kits. I don't think there is a decent bearing edge in the bunch. I wouldn't dare try to do anything with them. I just tune them up the best I can.

That explains a lot.

When I first acquired a Vistalite, I noticed the relatively flat bearing edge when I mounted new heads (clear Anbassadors over clear Diplomats). It took longer than usual, but I got a serviceable sound.

I thought I had a Slingerland bias (well, I do), but when I A-B'ed a clear Vistalite against a Phantom kit, there was really no comparison. The Phantoms were brighter (even with Pinstripes as opposed to Ambassadors) and they are certainly easier to tune.

I use a Vistalite snare with my Phantom kit, but it's primarily for appearances and I've decided only to use it when it will be mic'ed. Otherwise my COB TDR does a far better job.

Al

9x Slingerland New Rock 50N 12-13-16-22 with 170 (Super S-O-M) holder
• 1979 Oak
• 1978 Blakrome + 6.5x14 TDR SD
• 1977 Black Diamond Pearl + 5x14 SD (gold badge, Rapid strainer)
• 1976 Black Cordova
• 1975 Silver Sparkle + 5x14 SD (Rapid strainer)
• 1974 Chrome + 5x14 COB TDR and 6.5x14 COW Zoomatic SDs
• 1973 Purple Sparkle
• 1973 Phantom (clear)
• 1971 Walnut (gold badges) + 5x14 TDR SD
1x Rogers Powertone Londoner V 12-13-16-22
• 1972 Butcher Block + 1979 big R Dynasonic SD
Posted on 10 years ago
#7
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