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My first vintage kit needs some love

Posts: 10 Threads: 3

Hi Guys,

A while back I picked up my first vintage kit - a '73 or '74 Ludwig silver sparkle! I've always wanted a Ludwig kit, so I was absolutely thrilled. The kit sounds great, aside from the rack tom. However, now that I've taken it apart and examined it a bit, even my untrained eye can see that it needs some work.

I know virtually nothing about restoring drums, so I'm hoping to get your informed opinions on how best to approach this. The biggest issue is the rack tom, which I couldn't get to sound right. When I took the heads off, I noticed that the plies have split, so I assume it needs to be filled and clamped back together. The bearing edge is also not level and the drum could be slightly out of round. I tried embedding images in the post, but got broken links, so I've included the URL's. Sorry for the inconvenience! :(

Rack tom:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/10218351@N00/5479809566/in/set-72157626020257547/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/10218351@N00/5479807898/in/set-72157626020257547/

The floor tom sounds great, but also has some splitting and the wrap on the floor tom has started to separate:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/10218351@N00/5479808740/in/set-72157626020257547/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/10218351@N00/5479807602/in/set-72157626020257547/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/10218351@N00/5479208383/in/set-72157626020257547/

Also, one bass drum hoop needs to be replaced:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/10218351@N00/5479208947/in/set-72157626020257547/

How bad does the damage look to the shells look? Is this something I could reasonably attempt to mend myself or would I be better off taking it to a pro? Any idea how much something like this might cost to fix?

Does anyone know of a good source for replacement bass drum hoops? I found this place in the UK, but would prefer to order from someone in the states.

Thanks so much for your help!

1973 (or 74?) Ludwig silver sparkle
Early 70's Slingerland chrome snare
Posted on 13 years ago
#1
Posts: 5227 Threads: 555

So you are in ca what part?? if you have never repaired a shell or shells like the mounted tom,you would better off in taking it to a pro for the job....Mikey

Posted on 13 years ago
#2
Posts: 10 Threads: 3

Hi Mikey,

Yep, I'm in Oakland. I will try to find someone local to look them over. I just hope I didn't invest in a lost cause.

Thanks!

1973 (or 74?) Ludwig silver sparkle
Early 70's Slingerland chrome snare
Posted on 13 years ago
#3
Posts: 5227 Threads: 555

From Q-bass

Hi Mikey,Yep, I'm in Oakland. I will try to find someone local to look them over. I just hope I didn't invest in a lost cause.Thanks!

You are about 200 miles from me iam in Corning,ca...up the 5FW...Their is a member who live's in san fran he maybe be able to help you....Mikey

Posted on 13 years ago
#4
Posts: 10 Threads: 3

Cool. Thanks, Mikey.

1973 (or 74?) Ludwig silver sparkle
Early 70's Slingerland chrome snare
Posted on 13 years ago
#5
Posts: 2444 Threads: 288

Q-bass. Repairing the hoop is easy. A good wood filler (I prefer the 2-part MiniWax brand) can help you make a filler piece for that chunk missing, or if you are daring you can cut a piece that's close and fill in the cracks with the filler.

If you are wanting to keep the originals of course you can find new ones at a reasonable cost.

As far as the seperations, a small amount of wood glue and a good C-clamp can help tighten them up.

Its better to have people think you're an idiot, than to open your mouth and prove them wrong, unless you doubt yourself then speak away....
Posted on 13 years ago
#6
Posts: 4715 Threads: 299

Also, the angle at which you place these older toms can have a choking effect on them. If you are trying to angle it too sharply, you will likely choke it out. I don't think the ply separation you are showing would have that detrimental effect on this tom. Does it need help? Yes, but the choking is likely from too steep an angle on your part.

"Ignorance may be overcome through education. Stupidity, however, is a lifelong endeavor." So, educate me, I don't likes bein' ignant...
"I enjoy restoring 60s Japanese "stencil" drums...I can actually afford them..."I rescue the worst of the old valueless drums for disadvantaged Children and gladly accept donations of parts, pieces and orphans, No cockroaches, please...
http://www.youtube.com/user/karstenboy
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Coffee...16613138379603
Posted on 13 years ago
#7
Posts: 103 Threads: 1

These shells look a lot like some old Slingerlands I have. A little wood glue and clamps would fix it. However, I doubt the sound is affacted as they are now. They look a little ratty. But they probably sound fine. Glue and clamps would make them nicer. The bearing edges might need a little work to get the best out of the drums. However, that's a job for a professional only.

Posted on 13 years ago
#8
Posts: 10 Threads: 3

What a relief! I was afraid maybe I'd bought a lemon, but you've eased my worried mind.

As far as the actual separation, I'll try the gluing/clamping method. Once I get this first step completed, there's a good drum shop in SF and I think I'll take my shells there and get an estimate for recutting the bearings.

Thanks for the replies everyone!

1973 (or 74?) Ludwig silver sparkle
Early 70's Slingerland chrome snare
Posted on 13 years ago
#9
Posts: 2628 Threads: 40

[COLOR="Purple"]Q-Bass...I am in SF and I do the edge and resto work for Sam Adato's Drum Shop (if you call there, he will refer you...to me).

I can recut those edges for you if you like. Jeez...it must be the season or something, because I have had a half-dozen bearing edge jobs so far this year.

I'll need the shell(s) for 2-3 days and it'll run $35-50 altogether (depending on whether you want me to tung oil finish 'em afterward, which I recommend). That's assuming you do the regluing. if you want me to do the whole sh'bang, add another $20.

...e-mail me if you like.[/COLOR]

www.2ndending.com
Posted on 13 years ago
#10
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