Jccabinets is your guy for this. When I think of Sonor wood finishes I think of vertical grain so that would be my vote.

I recall when I was a kid I had learned that vertical grain = cheap drums. (MIJ as we refer to them now). I was always somewhat confused by those Sonor finishes as I knew Sonor made drums of extremely high quality ... and price for that matter.

This is my thinking as well but I'm still looking for opinions.

Well I am a cabinet maker, thats true, but veneer is something I actually have little experience with. I did a Ludwig Rocker kit using contact cement in an aresol can. Someone kinda mentioned that stuff is not much good but this is a product that is sold and recomended by my hardwood supplier. And it is what cabinet makers in the industry use to adhere veneer's to end panels and such. So its not like I went to Lowes and bought what ever they had, I took the advice of my supplier.

My first kit I ran the grain from hoop to hoop (vertical?) for one reason, no lap joint. The veneer ends are butted to each other and you cant find the joint. YOu could butt the veneer edge's with the grain running around the drum but the joint will show more due the grain not matching up on the ends.

You should consider using contact cement. Because if you use glue like Titebond or something then you would need a vacume clamp to hold it down correctly, I would think.

My Rogers drums, I wraped with the grai going around the drum and overlaped the veneer about 3/4", it looks fine to me.

If you have any questions just ask, Im no expert with veneering but have done several drums with great sucsses.

Thx jc. duly noted on the cement.

Thanx a bunch for chimin in.

Good to know there's direction if I need it.

I'll try to document and keep up with posts as this goes along.

KK

Here's an update.

My shells are finally ready for veneer. Very clean. Very smooth

REALLY wish these were virgin shells. I'd finish em just like they are.

Beautiful veneers, inside and out.

[IMG]http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn241/JimmiHolliwood/part002_zps889a2203.jpg[/IMG]

Second ft is a 15x12 Ludwig maple/poplar/mahogany shell. Tonally matches very well in the absence of a real vintage beech ft.

This pick shows the most severe repairs.

All plugs are either maple or birch. Very tite fits. secured with Weldbond.

Only used as much plastic wood as would make for a perfectly smooth surface that wouldn't telegraph any bumps through the veneer.

I ordered enuf if this Karelian birch burl to do em.

http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photography-karelian-birch-image10113902

The snare will be outfitted with a modern Sonor dual glide strainer and butt and I won't be switching bach to Sonor tension rods from American but other than that, they will be original except for finish.

This has been ALOT of work.

On to the next stage.

Will post when I have more to show.

Still looking for a BD/cymbal mount.

Thanks for the update!!

Great prep work, the burl will look outstanding.

Creighton

Looking good! What finish will you use? Did you decide on an adhesive? Kepp us up to date, its fun to watch.

I'm gonna do vertical grain with PVA glue.

After much research, it's the best option and it's what all the pro's use.

Got my hands on some vac bagging gear so hopefully this all works out.

As for finish, Lacquer OF COURSE.

PVA glue, basically white/yellow wood glue? That sounds difficult, how do the "pro's" apply the glue, with a spray or brush. It seems like of a lot of extra work with the vac clamps and all. I used Permagrip PG107 on mine, instant bond, no clamping or glue squeezing out plus it is used by "pro's" also. But dont get me wrong here, Im not trying to change you mind. It will be fun to here how this goes. So its lacquer, clear or will you stain the tubs first. Sorry if I seem nosey, you have caught my attention, thats all.

Please post some pics along the way.

Jeff C