Shell composition and refinishing - WFL

[Edwin Manheim]

This is a 1956 WFL marching shell. I took all the ahrdware off to get a better photo. You can't really tell, but its damaged on the surface only fairly bad. What I would like to know is the shell composition and any recommendations on refinishing. If it is mahogany like I think I was considering fine sanding and restaining. Would that lower its already not high value?

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a188/LizSabol/100_2128.jpg

[O-Lugs]

Man, I recommend that you don't refinish it. It appears to be in exceptionally GOOD shape for its age and for the fact that it's a marching drum (which usually get "abused"). If it's kept original -even if the finish has some scratches, etc., then it will be worth a lot more. It's probably not ever going to be worth a lot of money, anyway...but you never know what people might want to collect in the future...marching drums in original shape might become the new thing one day! :) That's my humble opinion, anyways!

[sabshga]

I have a Gretsch version of the same drum. It is an awsome snare for set. It is absolutely fat! I got mine on ebay for $100 and change (very nice shape) and I love it. My 9 year old asked why I don't use it with my set. I thought it was ridiculous, but he peaked my interest. I tried it and love it. He had a great idea. I do a lot of second line stuff and this make it jump.

Gary
Dix Hills, NY
D' Drummer

[big daddy]

I had a similar finish on a Kent snare. Mahogany stain over maple (far as I know). It was banged up a bit, but I wanted to try and keep the original finish, so I went to work on it (gently) with some fine steel wool and Auto Detailing spray (Mothers I believe). Spritz the surface and gently buff with the steel wool. Sort of a wet sanding approach. When I was happy with the scratch removal, I applied a couple coats of carnuba wax to it.

Here are the results...

Before (http://bulldawgsound.com/drums/drum%20pics/Before-5.JPG)

After (http://bulldawgsound.com/drums/drum%20pics/Kent-2-after.JPG)

I think the results were pretty good.