Brian, what do you mean its impossible to tune a head to tight? it is very easy to tune a head to tight, do you use a drum dial or tama tension watch to tune?

Thank you, vintagemore 2000. I'll take your comments on board. I know that, in the case of snare drums, tuning very high has never caused me any problems. Many drummers I know tune their snares super high. As I said, also, the bottom head on the tom in question is tuned higher, with no adverse effect. Maybe you can add some more detail to your post? For instance, do you believe that a tom can be over-tuned, and do you have evidence of this? By the way, I use my ear to tune all my drums.

I have seen that happen. While it could be from higher tuning it could also be from excessive moisture or humidity. Where the shell was in the rain or left if a real damp place for a long time. Could also be the lug screws are missing a washer and not tight enough to the shell itself letting it pull up. At 52 years old could be a number of things. I can't remember if it was here or at DFO but someone used a process to smooth those wrinkles back down. Can't remember exactly but perhaps a warm iron with something on the shell to protect it from melting? If it was here hopefully they'll chime in for you. That's a bummer to see and hope you can correct it somehow. Look at everything carefully. While the drums are not being used maybe lower the tenison on them until you can get things sorted. Is that black sparkle finish?? Nice~!

Thanks FFR428. They are Champagne sparkle. I'll definitely take your advice about detuning while not in use till I discover the problem. I doubt if it's damp as all the other drums in the kit, including the tom bottom head are fine. I also have a '66 Super Classic kit, which is unaffected. Cheers for your help.

I've also seen this happen. Many times, the lug screws have loosened up, allowing the tension rods to pull the lugs up. My 1967 Slingerland kit, fortunately, does not have this problem.

I'm still wondering about your tuning. My rack and floor toms rarely have more than 1 turn each on them, after leveling the heads. I realize that we each have our tuning preferences, but just be careful!

The biggest issue you are facing are the ovaled holes. You may have to plug them with maple dowels and re-drill to avoid further damage.

-Mark

Thanks, Mark, for your help. The screws have not loosened and they are properly washered. I have to say, that the screws on Slingerland lugs go through the drill holes with no 'sleeve' (like on Ludwigs) and are therefore smaller than the drill hole, allowing for movement anyway.

Not sure about dowels as the outer ply seems to have moved slightly as well.

I am researching this problem still, and am at least now convinced that over tightening has been my problem.

What had always convinced me that over tightening was not possible was because I, like many drummers I know, keep our snare drums at a very high tone, so as snare drums are not effected why are toms?

As for tuning preference I have never been a fan of low flabby toms. Maybe I should have been playing a 12" and not a 13"?!

I'll be back with anything I've found out soon ... meanwhile thank you all for your ideas.

Hi Brian!

Maybe we're getting somewhere now! You mentioned about the "sleeve" on Ludwig drums. Are you referring to the lug mounting feet that sit into the holes in the shell? If so, Slingerland lugs do have this same mounting, as do pretty much all American-made drum lugs. Can you post some pictures of the lugs on your kit? It just might help us sort this out!

-Mark

The outer ply hasn't moved along with the wrap, it's been sawed by the screw at an angle, which will equal the difference in depth of the casing indentation, end to end - it's way deeper near the bearing edge. Casings with no collars or sleeves or [what do you call those??!!] plus high tuning will do that, saw the shell a bit.

One sad theory which I hope isn't true is, someone swapped out that set of casings for MIJs with no sleeves or collars or...

Mitch

Thank you Mitch & Mark. I'm going to get back here later with some pics of the tuning lugs ... first I need to remove examples from throughout the kit. And run some other errands! Back soon.