Well I spent some time last night futzing round with the tom and I think it's a lost cause. I dug up some thick rubber washers from the parts bin and used them between the plates/shell. No dice. I think that since the Kent shells are so thin, any amount of pressure against the shell is going to dampen the thing. And with 4 points of contact, it's not looking good.
I also noticed that the drum chokes easily if I tighten the snare stand claw, even just a little. Me thinks the rims might need to go as well.
I hate to say it, but the other Kent mounting system is better, at least in that it doesn't choke the drum to death. I *could* keep an eye out on the 'Bay for the post style Kent setup, but I really don't like drilling giant holes in vintage drum shells.
I have a modern kit with the RIMS style mounts so I may try borrowing the mount off the 12" and try it on the Kent. I guess if it works, then that's what I should do, as much as I dislike the look.
It is the sound after all, which is most important.
p.s. On a side note... X-mas came early today. I got my 16" X 16" champagne sparkle Kent floor tom today. It's an almost perfect match, colorwise and is in great shape. So now the conundrum... do I keep the SlingerLeedy 16" X 16" I've been using with the kit, as well as the Kent, or sell it????
hmmm..... I always did like the Buddy/Gene two floor tom look :)
