I know that brass shells can be repaired - have fixed OOR issue, but not a dent. I would even consider any local auto-body guys you might have around there - or maybe like a friend of a friend - in exchange for a beer and honorable mention at the gigs (free adverts!)

Indeed keep us posted! Are you allowed to attempt a repair considering the possibility that you would have to send it back. Essentially if youhave to return it, you are altering someone else's drum shell. Something to consider and discuss with the seller before you "mod" it.

Hope it works out for you! I play a 3-line COB Pearl snare exclusively these days so I feel your pain!

i played a 10 luger for decades nice stuff

Nearly every second Slingerland GK Sound King snare has a dent right there. Usually an easy fix though

Thanks for the support guys. I have a day off and am on my way to see my friend/ body guy. I know I could probably do it myself, but when you have a great friend with skilled hands why would you?

I threw the little camera on the tripod and filmed myself whacking it, so you guys can hear the pitch differences before it gets rebent.

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_3cqBhZO48"]Pitch differences in dented brass snare shell - YouTube[/ame]

My friend, the body guy, refused to do it. "If I mess it up you'll hate me." But he told me a couple of tricks.

I went to the local music store. Once while digging for odd ball tension rods in one of their little parts bins I thought I'd seen an original throw off. It was there and in good condition. $15. Unbelievable good luck! One of the drummer guys working there (in his 60s) told me he had fixed a similar shell he once had. He repeated lots of the advice given by some of you guys.

No fancy tools. A hammer and two pieces of wood (pics.) For the space in between the 'ribs' I copied the radius of the shell on a piece of 5mm plywood then sanded it on a belt sander. I put a piece of cardboard box under the shell on my heavy, old table saw. Bang, bang. Within 2 minutes it was very close. 15 minutes later I was happy. Very easy. The metal at the lugs just outside the throw off is pushed out a touch. I am not going to touch that. It isn't perfect and I am quite happy with it. I refuse to go over the line to where more damage may occur. If I knew it was going to be that quick and easy I would have taken the little camera out and videoed it to share.

I wasn't looking for this adventure, but I can't complain. I thought I'd be spending my 2 days off banging on my 'new' drum. I was right. I just didn't know I'd be doing it with a hammer.

Thanks again for the advise.

And reassembled with a new batter head.

This is one of those "feel-good" stories! Nice work! Now you can swap out the hammer for some sticks!

And keep banging it,.....

Nice job guy.