Converting concert toms

[slingerland]

How difficult a process would it be to convert concert toms to toms with bottom heads, I'm going to look at a set of white pearl sling drums, it
has a 12" tom which I have been looking for a long time, if the color matches, I would consider buying them just for the 12", how hard is it to install a bottom head?

[atomicmorganic]

The hardest part for me was paying for the lugs! LOL. Really, it is not too bad of a job. Just spend a lot of time measuring and thinking about it before you drill a single hole. Also the bearing edge on the side that had no head could be damaged and need a little work. The important thing is "Take your time! Don't hurry the job!".

[Jaye]

Yes....many a time the bottom doesn't have a bearing edge at all, particularly with post '80's shells. But MOST Slingy concert toms HAVE baring edges on the bottom, underneath the metal strip which you unscrew to remove.

If not, then you'd need to rout something there...it doesn't necessarily need to match the batter edge, but it needs some sorta profile.

When aligning the existing holes t where you want the new ones to be, use a triangle or a 90-degree angle to get 'em just right.

[kevins]

On Slingy concert toms, do the screw holes for the metal strip go all the way through the shell?

[amosguy]

Cut the bearing edge FIRST. Otherwise the spacing will be off by 1/4" or so, depending on the edge profile. Done this on a couple of Rogers toms. Not hard at all, but measure twice, drill once!

[PopsOldSkins]

On Slingy concert toms, do the screw holes for the metal strip go all the way through the shell?

Nope. Really short screws. I have three that I was going to rewrap but there so cracked up inside from someone leaving them in a damp storage building.

[PopsOldSkins]

How difficult a process would it be to convert concert toms to toms with bottom heads, I'm going to look at a set of white pearl sling drums, it
has a 12" tom which I have been looking for a long time, if the color matches, I would consider buying them just for the 12", how hard is it to install a bottom head?

Just a couple hints before drilling the shell.
1. Use a block of wood on the back side your drilling into to help from splintering the shell.
2 Or use a doweling bit. Has a very pointy point. Drill threw till the point just comes threw, finish drilling from the other side to prevent splintering.

[kevins]

Nope. Really short screws. I have three that I was going to rewrap but there so cracked up inside from someone leaving them in a damp storage building.
Thanks for that.... I've been passing on single concert toms cause I wasn't sure about that.

[slingerland]

OK guys, I picked up this set this morning, not sure what to do now. The set is in perfect shape. they are concert toms, however I like the look, and if I leave them as is, my next challenge would be this, how can I get a stand that would suspend the 12" and 13" toms next to my current set? as you know, they are normally mounted on the bass drum, I can't use the set as a double, because this is a 22" bass, my other set has a 24". also if I do somehow mount these two drums set to my set, what would I do with the
16" tom and 22" bass, I would have no use for those two drums/ would their be a market for those drums as is? any ideas about a stand for these toms would be appreciated, I think these toms would add a new tone to my current set, and I'mn thrilled that I found a 12" tom in my color after 10 years of looking, thanks guys, G

[latzanimal]

OK guys, I picked up this set this morning, not sure what to do now. The set is in perfect shape. they are concert toms, however I like the look, and if I leave them as is, my next challenge would be this, how can I get a stand that would suspend the 12" and 13" toms next to my current set? as you know, they are normally mounted on the bass drum, I can't use the set as a double, because this is a 22" bass, my other set has a 24". also if I do somehow mount these two drums set to my set, what would I do with the
16" tom and 22" bass, I would have no use for those two drums/ would their be a market for those drums as is? any ideas about a stand for these toms would be appreciated, I think these toms would add a new tone to my current set, and I'mn thrilled that I found a 12" tom in my color after 10 years of looking, thanks guys, G

Put the 24 on the left ala Ed Shaughnessy... fugga dugga baby!!!!!

[slingerland]

I've decided to keep them as is, I think they will add some new flavor to my current set , once I get em set up I'll post pics. G