Interesting. That badge number would date this drum to the end of the Niles era, '85-'86. According to Dr CJ Wenk 3-ply re-ring shells were discontinued in '81, but 3-ply without rings were available after that on an economy line. Does the shell have re-rings? Does the badge look tampered with? Two vertical throw off mounting holes is probably a "rapid" strainer. Spacing is approx. 2-1/2".

The spacing on the strainer is indeed 2-1/2". As far as the badge? Hell, I don't know. I've attached some pics -- maybe I'm not seeing something...

Thanks!

I'd rather not re-drill this, only to regret it in, say, half an hour!

Reinforcing-rings on shell?

Nope. Just the three plies. ??

Those Rapid strainers can be challenging to find. The iNde adjustable strainer would make it workable without redrilling. Cool drum by the way :)

Yeah! A neighbor of mine is friends with the founder of Inde. They will soon be moving here to Kalamazoo.

Man. If I had fifteen hundred to buy a new kit, it would be theirs.

And I love the design of the strainer. Adjusting knob on top. A great, simple idea.

While the Rapid strainer can be tough to find...especially in good condition, you can easily mount a Ludwig P-85. Has the same 2.5" spacing as the Rapid strainer. New P-85 strainers can be found for $20-$25.

-Mark

That makes sense. "Spirit" economy line drum. The three ply shell is actually the same as the earlier three ply shells just without the re-rings. The chrome wrap was available thru '86. Your wrap may be plastic. Those are some good suggestions for a strainer. Let us know how it works out.

The wrap is metal.

It sounds as though it wouldn't be a major loss if I drilled to use the Zoomatic.

But as the fates would have it, I just happen to have a P 85 in my basement!

Thanks for the help!