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Fitting Heads on Unwrapped Shells

Posts: 26 Threads: 10

Hi VDF!

New member here, searched the forum for the answer to this question and couldn't find a clear answer so here goes...

I am thinking of doing a kind of resto-mod kit project. Buying some vintage 60s-70s shells, hopefully already stripped of the wrap and refinishing the bare wood and building up with new, modern hardware.

Before I start looking for orphan shells, I was curious if drum heads will fit properly and securely on the unwrapped shells?

And if anyone has any thoughts on a particular type of vintage kit that might be good for attaching modern hardware to, please chime in.

Thanks!

-Kirke

Posted on 10 years ago
#1
Posts: 6524 Threads: 37

Have you got the fill and drill aspect figured out ?

It`s a drum,.....Hit It !!

.....76/#XK9207 Phonic Sound Machine D454/D-505 snares !i
Posted on 10 years ago
#2
Posts: 26 Threads: 10

Ha. I don't think I have any part of this figured out yet.

I thought this might be a slightly more economical way of having a cool, unique vintage kit. But I just totaled up what I would spend buying hardware for bare shells...all these small parts add up!

Posted on 10 years ago
#3
Posts: 2023 Threads: 47

Heads should fit easily onto shells with no wrap, won't be too loose or anything if that is the concern.

I might put modern hardware from Ludwig on vintage Ludwig shells, if it fits, but that's about it...:)

Mitch

Posted on 10 years ago
#4
Posts: 227 Threads: 50

A thought...There are a few really cool project kits in the FOR SALE section here. Most including all (or almost all) of the vintage hardware you'd need.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
50's WFL/Ludwig Black Super Classic
60's Ludwig Silver Sparkle Club Date
Posted on 10 years ago
#5
Posts: 407 Threads: 14

My first commandment of vintage drum restoration is "Thou Shalt Not Drill."

Also, if you're thinking of doing a "natural" finish, those rarely look good on vintage wood, IMO. The wood under those wraps and Ducos is usually paint grade, so the grain may be quite different from shell to shell. Also, see carter's thread about stripping, and how formerly painted shells may have blotchiness issues.

If I were going to attempt such a project, I'd just buy some new shells with rerings from http://www.aitwood.com. They sell them in mahogany and maple, and the wood will be stain grade.

-Erik
______
Early '70's Slingerland New Rock #50 in blue agate (20-16-13-12)
Late '50's WFL Swingster/Barrett Deems in black/gold Duco
'70's Slingerland Gene Krupa Sound King COB
'76 Ludwig Supraphonic
early '70's Ludwig Acrolite
'80's Ludwig Rocker II 6 1/2" snare
Rogers Supreme Big "R" hi hat
Posted on 10 years ago
#6
Posts: 26 Threads: 10

Thanks for the replies and feedback y'all. I think a project of this kind is probably a little too much for my first drum resto and maybe a little misguided at that. I think I will just keep saving up for an old 60s set...

Posted on 10 years ago
#7
Posts: 6432 Threads: 290

Welcome Kirke!

What is the advantage of new hardware? Yes, I know some of the old tom mounts and bass drum spurs are a little shaky, I get that, but I would think the lugs, hoops and floor tom legs work just fine and look great. And most of the vintage tom hanging hardware is good.

Obviously you came to the wrong place seeking advice on installing new hardware on vintage shells,lol.

I like your last statement, save up for an old 60's set.


Thank you!
Jeff C

"Enjoy every sandwich" Warren Zevon
Posted on 10 years ago
#8
Posts: 1292 Threads: 147

Kinda like writing to the SPCA looking for advice on how to torture animals! :2Cents:

1964 Ludwig Champagne Super Classic
1970 Ludwig Blue Oyster Super Classic
1977 Rogers Big R Londoner 5 ebony
1972/1978 Rogers Powertone/Big R mix ebony
60's Ludwig Supersensitive
Pearl B4514 COB snare ( the SC snare)
Pearl Firecracker
PJL WMP maple snare
Odds & Sods

Sabians, Paistes, Zildjians, Zyns, UFIPs, MIJs etc
Item may be subject to change!
Posted on 10 years ago
#9
Posts: 26 Threads: 10

Well, I guess I should clarify and say that what I mean by 'modern' hardware is simply just NEW hardware.

I currently have a 60s MIJ stencil kit and it has a pretty good sound but the hardware is cheap and falling apart. My thought was to refinish some vintage shells and put all new, but vintage-style hardware on it for the reliability of playing gigs.

In peoples experience, is the hardware on a 60s kit reliable for gigging if the kit is in good shape and has been taken care of? I don't mind old style rail consolettes at all, as I like my tom very low. Bass drum spurs and floor tom legs seem to be an issue.

For example, I really like Ludwig Club Date kits, but the floor tom mounts with the spring look unreliable...

Posted on 10 years ago
#10
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