Some more pictures showing the close date stamps! The factory worker chose not to use the stamp showing only the month and year for the bass drum!

-Mark

For some reason, both 8x12 toms were drilled the same way, with the tone control in the position for the left-side mounting. To get the dual 12" toms to look like the factory picture, in regards to the location of the tone control, I'll have to flip the right-side tom and move the tone control directly to the opposite side. Easy enough! You can see the location of the tone control in the right-side tom (from the behind the kit) as posted in one of the original eBay pictures.

-Mark

Here's the small tub of "Plastic Wood" I'm using to plug the holes. It goes on pink and then will change to tan when completely dry. It dried very quickly and I already sanded last night. Will post pictures later.

-Mark

Beautiful work, Mark! In the past, I have found Minwax Wood Filler an excellent product. I have used it for antique wooden furniture, but never for drums. Nice work, amigo!

Brian

Great work so far! I never tried burning off the wrap, but obviously it works well!

One comment: The tone controls as shown in the catalogue picture may not be accurate. Once production began, I find it completely plausible that all the toms were made with a similar configuration (regarding muffler placement) and that your kit is "as-delivered".

Just something to consider.

Brian!

Thanks for the advice with Minwax Wood Filler. I'll keep that in mind if I ever have to do this again! I've already sanded and drilled for lugs. Came out great! Haven't taken pictures yet. I'm heading up to the San Francisco area tomorrow morning with my girlfriend. She bought a 23' RV trailer and we're driving up with her truck to pick it up on Thursday. We haven't been to San Francisco for well over 10 years, so we'll do a little sight-seeing again. Just not looking forward to the drive, which will take even longer coming home with the trailer in tow!!

-Mark

Hi J!m!!

I've been dealing with Slingerland drums for decades now and have found that the placement of tone controls on dual-tom sets can be a crap shoot! I've seen many where the factory worker placed them for specific left-right mounting and other times when both toms have been drilled the same. In the case of my right-side tom, I don't like that it faces forward, so will flip the tom and re-drill to make it look like the catalog picture. I have all the proper hardware, including the rare two-leg hi hat stand and the smooth-shell COB Sound King snare drum. It will be a fun kit when completed. The only difference is the original owner decided he wanted COB bass drum hoops and the "snap-on" pedal. You normally saw this on the "Jet" outfits.

I've attached a picture of my 1970 Modern Solo 2R, wrapped in original "Sparkling Purple Pearl". The tom shells were properly drilled for specific R/L mounting. Of course, when I use the kit in a 4pc GK-1N style, the muffler faces forward on the 9x13 tom! No worries, that's where Rogers puts their mufflers!

-Mark

Rogers often had the muffler location issue. Steve Maxwell has a Gretsch Rock and Roll set up for sale that has the same issue. With the Gretsch, he suggests you can simply rotate the round badge to solve it. Back in the day, a lot of buyers didn't even give it a thought. Those working in the factory were pushed to meet orders, so it was what it was. Knowing there was a right and wrong way to do it (so to speak) does get to those of us who are sticklers for detail.

Nice looking purple sparkle set and looks like the restored one will be a gem too. Nice work and great balls of fire. Enjoy the long ride to San Fran!

Have a great time, Mark! I'd love to visit San Francisco one day! Today we may expect wet snow flurries up here. Cold and miserable! Cheers, my friend!

Brian