Welcome Pauken, it's a great forum. Does the drum sound different with it cracked? How did it sound before it was cracked? You don't know. In my view, fix it, I have fixed several over the years, that's what we do, unless it is just beyond all hope. I have never had a problem with it spreading. You're a wood worker, you'll do a better job than I do:confused: Do a good job and the drum will reward you with good life and sound. There will be others to talk to you that have been doing this stuff for many years and can be a huge help to you........Joe

Thanks, Joe. Unfortunately I've never seen nor heard the drum in person (online sale) so it's even harder to evaluate the situation. I've read other posts on epoxy and/or wood filler techniques so that wouldn't be a problem. Glad to hear that cracks spreading around the drum have not been an issue in your experience. This one has several hairline horizontal cracks also which you can see if you look closely which may or may not get worse.

If you can get it reasonable, this is nothing to worry about a very easy fix, and it is simply from the wood shell contracting and shrinking due to temperature change's over tim. Buy it if the price is right.

Thanks Vintagemore. He is asking $295, and is willing to do an even trade for my 13" tom (his is 12") which has no shell defects, but his hardware is in a little better condition. There are other 12" toms I can get with good shells/hardware for less than half that but I'd have to re-wrap them and maybe replace a tom mount or muffler parts, for example.

Thoughts?

Other than the Interior cracks, any other Issues with this tom, the Price is on the steep side truely! If the wrap is perfect and you've been on the hunt for a long time then that's your decision, I just found a 30's Leedy tom I'd been on the hunt for for 12 years a few months back, so I understand the hunting thing well.

[SIZE="4"]Hmmmm[/SIZE]Hey Pauken...295 sounds a bit high, I don't think anyone on this site can tell you exactly what to do. As far as hardware it's pretty easy to replace. Just take a step back, think of the goal you're after and go from their. You can think yourself silly over this, I have. Keep it fun and the passion going.....Joe

The wrap and hardware are very good, original hardware, no extra holes or modifications. I've only been looking a couple weeks and am not in a rush. I thought it was a bit pricey, the only other one I've been able to find in blue agate is mint and it's listed at $800!!! Hence the trade, I figured I could get what I wanted with just postage out of pocket and I paid a lot less than that for my 13" (bought it used). Would sell the 13" otherwise once I got the 12. Just was worried about the cracks and ending up with a drum that was un-playable or sounded bad, or trading a good drum for bad. Thanks to all of you for helping me out.

Looks cosmetic. Slingerlands do this over time. Should'nt and won't affect the sound. It is a good point to use for negotiating on price.

Is the finish Blue Agate? Also how may lugs? If its an Artist or Hollywood Ace than its not a bad price!