I've used furniture polish before with decent results.

That grain looks similar to red oak. I thought the mahogany grain was tighter and generally smoother. Probably just my monitor though.

It was listed as mahogany. Up close it looks to be very dirty mahogany, although it could be red oak. Did Slingerland make a red oak finish in the 80's?

I would try polish it if it's a lacquered finish. If not then perhaps smooth it down with some very sandpaper followed by some teak oil sealant for use on outdoor furniture. That's just what I'd do, but I'm certainly no woodworker, so probably best to disregard all of the above. I'm not qualified to give advice, but that's what I'd probably do.

I think I got taken. It was listed as mahogany but looking at it up close it's oak. I just got it in the mail today so it's still new to me.

I got it at Music Go Round so I think it's going back.

Damn...

Here's my bass drum and the tom up close.

Look and see if it has a real oak veneerfor a wrap. If so you got a cool drum. I would not send it back. Check the Slingerland catalogs around 1979 or 1980. They had a option for wood veneer finishes. I have one with teak wood veneer. They are awesome.

That sucks. It really is a pretty drum though. Hopefully someone on here knows whether Slingerland offered an oak veneer at that time.

No it's going back unless someone here wants an oak drum for $100.

I can't use it. I need mahogany and I checked, Slingerland did have an oak finish in the 80's.

Damn...

Perhaps it's an inner ply of mahogany?

Bummer it was not what you wanted. Hope you find one soon. Here is a Mahogany clean up I did awhile back.

http://www.vintagedrumforum.com/showthread.php?t=49918

Creighton