The drum dates to 1955-56. Plastic drumheads didn't really come out until '57. And even then they were so new, that there was some reluctance to use them at first. Calfskin would have been fitted at the factory on this one.

As far as snare side.....stern tanning offers "slunk skin" heads for the snare side as well. If you're going for a genuine calfskin batter head, I'd invest in the calf aka "slunk" snare side as well. Plastic reso heads just sound funny when used with a natural skin batter head.

I'll call Stern once the snare arrives for information and $. I have a strange feeling the heads will costs nearly as much as the drum itself!

If I am looking at that level of authenticity, snare wires are also a question. Somewhere in this thread, Puresound was brought up.

Would that be a good choice with the calf heads??

At the moment I'm not sure I'll be able to cough up the dough...but as I said, this particular drum has a real "collector" cache that might push me over the edge!

The heads won't be cheap, but they will be worth it to make it have a more authentic sound and look. NOS Slingerland wires come up from time to time. Those would be appropriate as well. Of course, you don't have to spend all the dough at the same time...... :D

If you can't find a pair of NOS wires, the Canopus wires resemble the Slingerland wires. I don't have a set but would like to get a set in the future. They aint cheap though.

Yes. I would say a little at a time. It sounds like I'd have as much or more into the heads and wires than into the drum itself.

Deep breath, back up, and remember... this is a hobby....

Think of it this way......if you invest in making the drum more "correct", when the time comes to sell, you will get more than you have into it, because of that. ;)Clapping Happy2

Oh, man. Someone who is as good at rationalizing as I am!

LoLoLoLo