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Wood Veneer

Posts: 937 Threads: 82

Update!!!

I finished the tom except for the badge which I will mount later and I left it virgin as the veneer covered the old tom mount holes, so I mounted it on a snare stand. I put the original heads on as well (just for a while though), played it for a bit and it has a nice warm dreamy, creamy vintage tone...

There are progress pics as well on the floor tom and bass. The lug holes have all been drilled and ready to go. I will be leaving the bass virgin for now.

When done this project it might be a good idea to do a more complete, shorter thread, since I started out not knowing what to do with these shells :) lol

I'm very pleased with the results.. Clapping Happy2

~Kelly

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"It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing..."
Posted on 15 years ago
#31
Posts: 443 Threads: 10

Great job kellyj! I think you may have just got me up off the couch to tackle my old Sonors. Just from that one pic earlier, the inside of your shells look really dry. Would suggest a light coat of lemon oil to ward off further effects of aging....or maybe there are better suggestions from other members.

Posted on 15 years ago
#32
Posts: 937 Threads: 82

Thanks!

Come to think of it, yes they are really dry. I will try your sugesstion.

Any pics of your old Sonors?

~K

"It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing..."
Posted on 15 years ago
#33
Posts: 879 Threads: 74

Looking real good Kelly. Now aren't you glad that you looked at the pic of mine?

Posted on 15 years ago
#34
Posts: 937 Threads: 82

I have to admit, thanks to your pic atomicorganic and studying Sonor vintage catalogues influenced the decision to go with the rosewood veneer.

I finished the floor tom last night. I am looking for a 16" Sonor hoop to replace the ludwig hoop.

Starting to re-assemble the bass and will post another pic when I have the kit all set up.

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"It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing..."
Posted on 15 years ago
#35
Posts: 937 Threads: 82

Almost finished the teardrop restoration!!!

Put the final lug on the bass, left it virgin as sugessted and installed the original Sonor 60's Evans head for the picture.

I can't seem to find the small silver tacks for the badges. went searching at Home Depot and other hardware places. Anyone know where to find the silver tacks?

Thanks for everyone's help and encouragement in this restoration. Great vintage sound by the way :)

Kelly

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"It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing..."
Posted on 15 years ago
#36
Posts: 662 Threads: 33

Got a question or two for Kellyj or anyone else who has attempted this because I am contemplating doing a maple wrap thing (if I can ever get the stuff - I don't live in the US).

With the Rosewood done Sonor-style, the vertical direction and grain disguises the visual problem of join lines because most veneer is not more than 8" wide. Does the paper-backed veneer come with perfectly straight edges so they are an easy match up or do you need to trim these yourself (my biggest fear).

The next question (pretty much a variation on the first) is how you would make the main "back" join sufficiently snug that it wasn't really obvious - with wrap you just overlap but with veneer you really need to get them to sit flush. Any technique tips - and does veneer contract with temperature changes, leaving a gap?

And another question, when did Sonor bring in Rosewood as a finish?

Posted on 15 years ago
#37
Posts: 937 Threads: 82

Antipodes, good questions...

I don't think book matching is possible here. Seamlessness yes. I measured very carefully with a cloth measuring tape (Taylor's measure) the exact circumference of the shells and cut the veneer across the 4' width. When cutting this way the there is more than enough material to have the grain run longitudinally and cover the circumference of the toms. not quite enough for the 20". The edges of this particular sheet were staight. I used a 4' aluminum level and utility knife to get a straight edge.

Taking the cut piece I wrapped it around the shell to see the "back" seam before gluing. I guess I was lucky (accurate) as the seam met each edge exactly. The key is using the cloth "Tailors measure" to measure exact circumference.. The seam runs under the lug in the picture. I didn't care about the bass seam as it is under the drum.

I kept shells and veneer in the same room for several days to insure same humidty content, so shrinkage should not be a problem.

I Believe Sonor wrapped their first Teardrop kit in Rosewoodin 1969-70.

Go for the maple wrap you won't be sorry!!

~K

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"It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing..."
Posted on 15 years ago
#38
Posts: 2628 Threads: 40

[COLOR="DarkRed"]Kelly... fantastic !Cool1...that is one retro-lookin'-mojo-packed lil' kit again !!!

[/COLOR]

www.2ndending.com
Posted on 15 years ago
#39
Posts: 662 Threads: 33

Thanks for the tips. The job you did is really impressive. Now try and get some of that old Sonor hardware because it's head and shoulders above the other stuff of the period, is absolutely practical for a "modern" player but doesn't weigh a ton(ne - if we're going to be truly European).

Cheers,

David

Posted on 15 years ago
#40
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