My 9-ply luan Royce set has round over edges and is very tunable and playable.I did paint the interiors with a gray primer/sealer but it didn't seem to change the sound any.The batter heads are coated Pinstripes,but next time I'm going for Coated Emperors or Evans G-2's,as the Pin's are pretty dead sounding.

"Harsh" would be one of the last phrases, I would coin on 9-ply luan shells - "dull" would be more like it.

Not much attack/projection, no real bottom either.

But with good edges they can make a rather pleasant warm, soft "thud" that blends fine.

I would personally use nothing but single layer heads on any luan drum - they are dead enough as is.

Jon

Good point. I use Coated Ambassadors on my 9-ply Luan kit....very warm and deep, great for rock. I do get a nice soft decay........there is plenty of sustain on mine, and I did have the edges professionally re-done. You can brighten up and liven up the sound a bit by shellacing or polyurethaning the interiors ( I didn't on mine). Use the luan to your advantage-the bass drum will especially sound good. Nice and warm thud. I use Coated Powerstroke 3's on mine..........nice big, fat and warm tone, all from a 20"!

Love this thread as I have a kit with these shells that are yet to be restored. I need to know how to cut the edges, what heads to use, etc. I have learned that I particularly appreciate 3 ply shells with the re-rings, but that doesn't mean I won't like these.

I will not proceed with this project until I can have the edges checked out and re-cut if needed. I don't like to waste new heads on drums needing edge-work!

J

I may as well chime in. I smoothed the edges on my Silvertones, but I didn't reshape any, and lightly sanded the interiors, but didn't treat them in any other way. Our band plays mostly classic rock with the odd popular pop tune mixed in. I have a 20,12,14 setup, so I use g2s over hydraulics. I wanted as much low end thump out of the small drums as possible. I tune them slightly high which still gives me good tone, but lots of bottom end. On the kick I have a coated onyx reso and an emad batter. A nice punchy thud. I love these drums. Small, comfortable, sound great and CHEAP!

Not Harsh....mellow! Little wood putty if really needed. Smooth the 30 degree round overs by hand and toss the skins on. Get the tension right and you will be amazed. Check tuning before each use....MIJ may not hold tension.

Cool and open: Ambassadors/G1

Mellow with Punch: Emperors/G2

Center dots for more classic rock versatility

Mine: no muffling, coated heads top & bottom, medium tuning, wood sticks and they work from Mel Taylor to Taylor Hawkins.

The hardware!!! Another Story!