It looks like that drum has some structural problems that a simple refinish isn't going to fix. It looks like it needs the bearing edges redone, and unless my eyes are deceiving me, it looks like the shell might be out of round. (The separated reinforcing ring is no biggie, though. A little glue and a bunch of clamps would take care of that.)

Even if the drum is beyond reasonable repair, it certainly doesn't hurt to practice on it. The more drums you work on, the better your refinishing skills become. And if you're going to make any beginner's mistakes, 'tis better to make them on a drum like this one.

See my youtube page, has all the info you need for this shell. This is a 3 ply Star shell. Will sound deep and thunderous when you get done with it. I have a few How-To vids on there that deal with ply and re-ring seperation and how to go about regluing them. This is a cool way to learn and when you are done, you still have a playble drum. You can get the edges done with a simple round of sandpaper. I use 80, 100, 220 to completely re-contour them. If you want a jazzier sound, just lightly sand this profile after repaired. For a deeper, more traditional classic rock sound, a little more work will get them to a good round over and a deeper resonance. A more radical cutting with 80 will get them a bit sharper, but I don't see any advantage with these old shells. These are just too thin to get really high or refined sound from. They will always be more old Slingerland sounding than Ludwig or Rogers.

That's what I thought too Skydog, learn a little bit about the process before messing with the R360. Thanks.

Jon, I watched a few of your videos yesterday and feel a lot comfortable about doing this. They are a great resource to have available to us newbies, thanks. I'll be sure to let you all know how it is going.

Here is what they look like sans wrap and hardware:

[LEFT]Steve, looking at those edges, you need to get some PLASTIC WOOD. Use trhis brand and fill those canyons. Get them filled in and them carefully sand the edges, first with 100, then with 220. Get one or a handful of those sanding sponges. If you have a Harbor Freight close by, they sell a 10 pack for like 4 bucks. At least they were the last time I bought one, on "sale". It seems scary to work on the edges until you just do it. Taking the sanding block, fold the sandpaper and use the block to get it moving around the edge. It will, if you don't over do it, keep the integrity of the contour. Let me know if you want me to post a sanding how-to. It really is very easy to do.[/LEFT]

Hey Jon, I'll check out the videos on this and get some plastic wood (I may have some from other projects) and some fine sandpaper. Thanks again for all your help.

Bowing

Is that a luan shell?

Yes it is a 3 ply mahogany lauan shell, asian mahogany.

... and, please, don't forget to introduce the final result/s here!

Ralf

It may be a little while as school just started and all h*ll has broken lose around here. Thanks for your support.