Surely the tape method is quicker and easier. The question IS, how long does it last?
We could all just ask Sam, but with all due respect, his perspective is inherent with bias as a seller (with no reflection on him or his integrity).
What is the longest time a tape wrap has lasted anyone? If you had issues, what and when?
Of course storage and care matters a great deal - please include that info as well, especially if it is conclusive that it contributed to any problems.
Thanks!
John
Holds up pretty well I'd say... I did this drum nearly four years ago and it's still looking as good as the day I did it.... and it is my most used snare. I do keep it bagged up when travelling or not in use...
Cheers
John
Hmm good question, but i think it depends how you use the tape method? I use a tape, but i do not use it just on te seam, i wrap the tape in lots of stripes around the whole shell. The whole wrap is glued to the shell, just like you would use a normal glue. I have Drums made the last since 6-7years by now.
regards
Christian
I've used Sam's wrap and tape method for quite a few years now on a few kits and many snare drums. I've yet to have a seam last more than a few months without starting to lift. Sam has made changes over the years, with one being the use of a plastic catalyst that helps to bond the tape to the wrap. A bit better, but I still get a touch of lifting after a short time. Nothing major, but enough that you can see it. I've ordered enough wrap from Sam that he now doesn't hound me about the tape and will ask me if I want it or not. For my project kits and snare drums that are more for fun, I have no issues with the tape method. But, for those drums I intend to keep and gig, complete gluing is the way to go. I'm currently cleaning off tape residue from a set of Slingerland HSS shells from 1994. Once done, I'm bringing them to Jimmy Ford for a complete glued-on wrapping with Red Glass Glitter.
-Mark
Recently pulled the hideous wrap off a couple of Ludwig Accent CS power toms for cutting down and staining of the [paint grade] birch shells. The wrap was taped at the seam only. Well that made life easy for me, but the vintage Ludwigs and other brands we all know and love had the wrap glued all the way around. That has got to mean something.
From my personal experience, I wrapped a kit with taped seams and shortly thereafter removed it and re-wrapped it gluing the wrap down tight to the shell. Because at no point on the shell do I want to tap it and hear the "thck thck" of a plastic sheet; I want to hear the "tock tock" of the shell itself, reverberating as one entity, bonded and permanent.
On a related note, I can only afford to own one "real" kit, and if it is silver sparkle, I worry that champagne is really cooler...and vice versa! Okay I'm a weirdo but recently I have settled on bare maple shells only - the most honest finish there is, and no questions about wrap affecting resonance. So that's where I'm at ....:)
Mitch
when i do tape, i do a full lamination of tape on the wrap. that way it's basically just like using glue. i've done two kits and four snares with tape and i haven't had any problems. one of the kits and one of the snares were done about 5 years ago and are still going strong.
here is the stuff i use. http://www.speedpress.com/products/2/49
I use this, that sticks like hell:-) and it`s so easy to work with!
[ame]http://www.mapei.com/public/COM/products/922_mapecontact_gb.pdf[/ame]
regards
Christian
I use the 3M tape product. It wasnt really that expensive and it is great.
Dont be swayed by those folks who disparage the tape method. Done correctly, tape hold as well as glue, AND if you want to change your mind later and take the wrap off, its easy.
The secret is to put strips of tape every couple of inches around the shell to give the wrap a large sticky surface area. Get the edge of the wrap completely straight and press hard. Done.
I use the 3M tape product. It wasnt really that expensive and it is great.Dont be swayed by those folks who disparage the tape method. Done correctly, tape hold as well as glue, AND if you want to change your mind later and take the wrap off, its easy. The secret is to put strips of tape every couple of inches around the shell to give the wrap a large sticky surface area. Get the edge of the wrap completely straight and press hard. Done.
I was thinking that the "Killer Red Tape" would be good - is that made by 3M, or are you referring to something else?
Jammin Sam seems to be a really nice guy - always enjoyed my conversations with him - yet I have read testimony that they have had problematic results using his tape. I have much respect and appreciation for him. Though if there are problems with the tape he sells - that's one of the reasons for this thread.
I think most if not all of the problems are due to the way the tape is used.
Putting a strip of tape on the beginning and end of the wrap and calling it a day probably causes the wrap to not really bind to the drum. I wrap tape around the entire shell a couple of inches apart so there is good adhesion.
