I,ll see if I can get pics up soon. They are 9 ply beech and heavy as you know, and they are standard sizes;13x9,12x8 etc...When I say rough, im referring to the touch. They feel as if they have not used the "extra fine" sand paper to finish..not complaining, just curious...........No black spacers under the lugs.

Happened to mine, it`s the sheen on the lacquer that flakes away as the wood shrinks along it`s grain.

It`s a simple furniture type restore. Usually a waxing but if flakes get too bad, fine sand and then wax. Worked for me.

If you look close with a glass, you`ll see it.

Phonics did not have spacers as far as I know.

Odd; thx for the tip, but I,ll leave them alone. Its like they were meant to be this way, besides the sound will not be affected...Heavy does not describe these shells. I would not have believed it if I didn,t see for myself...INCREDIBLE drums!!

To me, I have not found anything that comes close to the sound of a 70`s 22 Phonic BD, it has the smaller mount and less trim weight. The 80`s wont shake with the big mount, try and get both. I did, and use the 80`s with racks and the other without.

Have you got a Ferro snare with it ?

I don't have a ferro snare, but im guessing you do??Excited...I have a 14x10 tom I wont use so im sending it off to St Drums to be converted. They have all the original Sonor parts required....Do you know anyone selling a ferro snare?...also, I have the KC fINISH which is shown in the 70,s and 80,s catalouges. Mine has the hilite tom mounts so how do I tell when it was made?...thx

Because you play jazz, you want to include a D-506 or 505, and a D-454 is a must for jazz. Those same drums in wood are just labeled with different D numbers.

The wood inside your drum should always be able to repel moisture, the flaking allows it in eventually,.. I strongly recommend a good wipe with Natural beeswax, it will look and turn wet, but fear not, the next day it will look like nothing done at all and moisture is out for five years. 2 or three coats, more....

sonormuseum.com has them pop up here and there, but you`ll dig your wallet, they are selling.

Thx for the tips ODD, its nice to converse with someone who shares a passion for Sonor and not just the usual US makers. I see it on most forums though so its not unusual. England=Premier..Germany= Sonor..etc..Problem with European drums is trying to find parts/service:(..So, if my kit has the hilite tom holder, is that a 70,s or 80,s build?