I'm new to the forum, and have just recently picked up playing the drums again after 10 years primarily playing bass. I didn't realize how much I missed it!
Back in December, I responded to an ad for an "Incomplete Tama kit" for $40. Turned out to be a 1982 six-piece Tama Superstar kit in Super Maple - 13", 14" and 15" rack toms, 16" floor tom, and a 24" bass drum. I hopped on that deal like no other.
It appeared that the drums were stored in a garage or some other unconditioned space for some time. The shells were in decent shape, with the bearing edges seeming to be ok, and some slight delamination on the 13" and 14" rack toms. The toms were missing bottom heads and hoops. I cleaned up the 13" and 16" toms and bass drum, got some heads, and new hoops for the toms, and I was in business. The 14" and 15" rack toms are now stored in a conditioned area, and I will get to them as soon as I have the time and money for heads/hoops.
Here's my problem - when carefully tuned up, the toms sound amazing. BUT, they go out of tune quickly (the 13" rack tom is particularly bad about this). I have to retune every 2 or 3 days. Furthermore, the 13" rack tom is absolutely KILLED when mounted on the Tama omni-ball mount. It rings out nice and clear when being held by the rim, and falls completely flat after mounting. Zero problems with the bass drum. The drums are kept in the 88-82 temperature range during the day (I like it warm).
Here's my question - is the way the drums were previously stored, and the resulting damage the probable culprit? Like I mentioned earlier, the 13" tom has some slight, but obvious delamination. No obvious delamination on the floor tom, but perhaps there is the possibility of delamination that is not apparent to the outside surfaces of the shell? The bearing edges seem ok, but not perfect. Perhaps the bearing edges are to blame? Or a combination of the two?
Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!