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"Modernize" my Rocker set

Posts: 2 Threads: 1

Hey all:

I’ve decided to start playing acoustic drums again. My Ludwig Rocker set from the early eighties is getting a good cleaning and I was planning on selling them and picking up something new/used. But after watching Craigslist for the last few months, nothings really been talking to me. So I’m playing with the idea of getting my Rocker up to date if possible. What I’m looking for is primarily dampening. Back in the day I would cut up a bed sheet into strips and run them under the heads. I’m assuming there’s a better way to do this these days? Also the original heads are still on them top and bottom. Any suggestions for replacements? I primarily play classic rock.

Thanks! Chris

Posted on 13 years ago
#1
Posts: 85 Threads: 10

I know I'm being captain obvious, but buy new heads. Remo pinstripes or something that is hydraulically dampened, or coated heads. Clean em up play them, then look for the band aid stuff like moon gel, duct tape etc....

Posted on 13 years ago
#2
Posts: 1829 Threads: 86

Yeah- Superchief was being Captain Obvious; however, he's 10,000,000,000% correct here!!!!

Drums from that time period were made for Pinstripes; Old skool Evans hydraulics are only for drums that have HUGE tuning problems. Rockers always sounded pretty good (to my long ears, anyway) with Pinstripes and clear ambassadors.

Also, since you have been away from a drums, I would get with someone (even if it costs you a few $$$) to help you learn tuning. I was an E-drummer for the last five years (after a fifteen year lay off from acoustic drums) and had to re-learn almost EVERYTHING I used to know about playing and tuning acoustic drums. My rudiments were okay, but my dynamics were a bit crap. Sometimes the sound you're getting is also due to lack of practise and technique, as well as worn-out heads.

Good luck, and don't hesitate to ask more questions!!!

Yeah- I'm THAT guy!!!

Dead dogs like rusty fire hydrants!!!
Posted on 13 years ago
#3
Posts: 2 Threads: 1

Hey thanks guys! Looking forward to diving back in and seeing what I can do with the set.

Posted on 13 years ago
#4
Posts: 4009 Threads: 209

A couple of other head choices for you since you mentioned you play mainly classic rock. Black dot heads give a good classic 70's rock sound, hydraulics do as well, but they are only good for one sound.....that dead, wet 70's sound. Pinstripes would give the drums a more 80's type of sound. But you can't beat (sorry no pun intended) good old fashioned coated emperors over coated ambassadors for that now classic, classic rock sound of the 60's, 70's and early 80's.

Rockers sound great wide open, btw.......I wouldn't use any dampening on the toms. For the bass drum, Aquarian's superkick 3 with a regulator front head would be the route I'd go for that nice classic rock sound.

Posted on 13 years ago
#5
Posts: 1829 Threads: 86

Ludwig-dude hits the nail on the head as far as whether or not to muffle Rockers!!!!

I love a two-ply coated top head with a single-ply bottom on almost any drum. I guess I have only heard Rockers with the default '80s P/S with clear Ambassador bottom about 10 million times!!!!

Yeah- I'm THAT guy!!!

Dead dogs like rusty fire hydrants!!!
Posted on 13 years ago
#6
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