I have a Leedy & Ludwig WMP drum set, and I'm only currently using part of it. It occurred to me today that over the years perhaps the parts being used may yellow more than those stored in cases. The drums being used aren't ever in direct sunlight, but they are exposed to indirect sun.
All the drums are evenly aged right now with a nice mellow yellowing, and I'd like them to stay that way. Any idea as to whether this is a concern, or do these things age too slowly for this to make a difference?
At some point, I think they stabilize a bit in terms of yellowing. If we're talking about an old kit, the plastic has out-gassed as much as it's going to, the glue underneath has penetrated the plastic and the process has probably slowed considerably. I wouldn't fret over it too much. Just play and enjoy your drums brother man. Sounds like you take good care of them, they're in good hands.
'Don't worry, be happy!' Walking
John
just for the record vintage wrap is not plastic based it's cellulose based!! and it never stops out gassing!! and actually keeping them cased is worst than leaving them sitting out. the case will hold the expended gas which will react to the wrap quicker.
just for the record vintage wrap is not plastic based it's cellulose based!! and it never stops out gassing!! and actually keeping them cased is worst than leaving them sitting out. the case will hold the expended gas which will react to the wrap quicker.
... and allow me to add that direct, indirect, etc... doesn't matter as it's UV exposure PERIOD that hastens the yellowing of the older/cellulose based WMP. I know this only too well as the only wrap/wraps I own, are WMP. If you are playing/gigging primarily indoor venues... GREAT! Enjoy with very little worry. Outside venues though? BAD. Even on a cloudy day... UV is still present. I have a beautiful set of 1966 Rogers Buddy Rich Headliners in WMP that I RUINED because I didn't know this... then. I'll attach a couple before/after. You will be able to plainly SEE what UV exposure did to this set. I still have them... but do not gig them outside anymore. Course, it's too late anyway... but I figure maybe I can hold 'em right where they are. I DO gig on my 1965 Rogers Buddy Rich Celebrity's which I had rewrapped in the NEW "Antique WMP" that mimicks OEM Rogers almost dead nuts. This wrap/WMP will NEVER YELLOW as it isn't cellulose. I work a LOT of outdoor venues in the summer, and play the Celebrity's with absolutely no worries! Picture #3 are my '65 BR Celebrity's. Indoor in this particular shot of course... but the wrap is UNAFFECTED by UV as you can see.
Tommyp
this is also the same problem vintage guitars have with Bakelite cellulose which is what the pickguards are made out of, sitting in the case is the kiss of death, as is direct sunlight.
This has been very informative and helpful. If I take the tops off the cases, do you think that will allow enough venting for the out-gassing? I just worry about scratching otherwise, as they're stored pretty compactly.
Hey Tommy - I know you're not happy about it, but I actually like the way the WMP ginger-ale'd on that kit! It has a terrific vintage 'golden glow'. I wouldn't feel bad about it, it really looks great and almost 'appropriate' for an old kit.
John
Tommy if you don't mind me asking......how long or how many gigs outside before the WMP's turned color? That's a huge difference.
Hey Tommy - I know you're not happy about it, but I actually like the way the WMP ginger-ale'd on that kit! It has a terrific vintage 'golden glow'. I wouldn't feel bad about it, it really looks great and almost 'appropriate' for an old kit.John
Hey John!...
Please allow me to qualify my previous statement: Honestly, I don't dislike the "aged" WMP on the '66 Rogers Buddy Rich Headliners either. I agree with you! Still... I DID ruin what was a near mint/unfaded set of 1966 Rogers in WMP. Had I known about the MAIN CULPRIT on yellowing cellulose based WMP.. UV .. I wouldn't have ever gigged those drums outside, and they would have still looked as they did! Those particular drums were originally owned by a Boston based jazz drummer/teacher. He special ordered that set with a Tower snare drum in place of the Powertone. ( I still have the Tower... unfaded, as I don't gig it ) He dedicated that set to his private teaching, thus they NEVER left the house from the day he got them... to the day I got them. I just didn't know about UV damage on Pyralin.. ( which is the actual name of the wrap/material ) .. the end result is what you saw.. and .. yeah!... it looks warm and very "vintage"... it just didn't have to be. The NEW "Antique WMP's" available aren't all that white, as I'm sure you know. But... they aren't anywhere near as yellowed as those '66 Headliners. Still, to sum up: They DO have a "vintage" look about them, and of course none of this changed the way they play/sound!
Tommyp
Tommy if you don't mind me asking......how long or how many gigs outside before the WMP's turned color? That's a huge difference.
FFR428!...
Because I am such a GEEK!..
Tommyp
