Hey Tim - Talk to Bill (billnvick) he does those conversions all the time. He did one for me last year.

[IMG]http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n632/PurdieShuffle/wss4-1.jpg[/IMG]

I'm sure he'll have a bunch of helpful tips he learned from doing so many of these cut-down jobs on parade shells. I turned the shell that Bill did for me into a wood super-sensitive! Looking forward to seeing what you concoct!

John

Thanks, John.

I've done two conversions, so far. Both with pointers from Bill (billnvick)

[INDENT]Jazzfest

http://www.vintagedrumforum.com/showthread.php?t=35983

School Festival (6.5x15)

http://www.vintagedrumforum.com/showthread.php?t=37844[/INDENT]

I just have to remember "measure twice and cut once".

Other than removing those re-rings, it should be just a matter of finding the proper shell depth that avoids any holes and evenly spaces the lugs. I'm concerned with the corrosion on Ludwig lug screws. It'll be a miracle, if I don't snap off or mess up the heads. Not sure what I can use to help this process, since the shell is bare wood.

The Slingerland will stay silver sparkle, but the wrap on the Ludwig really is too faded. I might replace it with some of Sam's WMP that's on sale.

Before I dive into these, I need to finish a marching snare to FT conversion for a friend and the Rogers Comet kit. My son said he'd like to use it for this years HS Jazz Band performances. Maybe he needs to start polishing some lugs! ;)

-Tim

> Maybe he needs to start polishing some lugs!

It's never too soon to expose them to the 'real-world'! Hand him a rag, a bunch of parts and some Mother's polish, then send him out to the spud-pile to develop some character. LoLoLoLo

John

Hey Tim,

Good to see you've found these babies and are still into the conversions!

I just completed a Ludwig 6-ply cutdown/conversion. I've wrapped it in the tangerine to match the set I just did, but had to order two new hoops as the ones I had just weren't good enough to use with a newly rewrapped shell!

I'll post pics tomorrow when I get it all put back together, as according to tracking I'll get the hoops tomorrow (thanks to the UPS/USPS shipping deal!).

And John... If you don't mind, could I post pics of your drum on my facebook page? (Redrums - Ks).

Thanks,

Bill

Bill - You most certainly have my permission to post photos to your page! You made the shell for me, you have as much 'bragging rights' to that drum as I do!

In case you haven't noticed, I'm one of your biggest boosters around here! I'm very happy with the job you did for me and I'd be happy to recommend you to any prospective clients.

Looking forward to seeing the drums you guys produce from those paraders! I love seeing those drums converted and re-tasked as kit drums. They get a shot at a second life as a useful instrument. Can't find that aged mahogany and maple any other way. Be a shame to see all that old lumber collecting dust, or ending up in a trash pile. You guys are saving/reviving valuable vintage drums! Good on you both.

John

John,

Yes, I've noticed, and it is appreciated!

Your "wooden super-sensitive" as well as Slingerlynn's "cigar band snare" have actually been to of the "proudest" projects I've been a part of.

Slingerlynn emailed me several pictures of his drum, but I've not gotten them up on my page yet.

BTW -- I'm sending you a PM, too.

Thanks again,

Bill

Tim, nice score on the marching drums, that will be fun for you, so keep us posted as usual.

John, I dig the wood ss and remember you doing it.

Bill, I still have the shell you gave me as a gift along with the other shells I bought from you last summer. So I will try my hand at cutting one down as well. John gave me a nice old WFL 3-ply shell to convert into a jazz fest when I did his mahogany clubbies. Now I cant decide now which snare shell to use with the kit Im working on. Oh the decisions to make!

Bill - I pm'd you a bunch of photos of the drum from prep through finished product. Pick and choose whichever ones you want to use.

Jeff - With all those great shells to choose from, you have 'an embarrassment of riches!' Shouldn't be hard to narrow down the candidates. One of them will just speak to you.

John

Just do what John Good (DW) does. Hold each shell with one finger, give it rap and listen for one that sings. Not sure that this would really make much of a difference, but it can add to the coolness of the back story. :)

-Tim