I trust Jeremy at Maxwell's. I've talked drums with this guy several times in the past. The guy is an encyclopedia of vintage drums and anything relating to them. When I call somebody 'knowledgeable' it's because they have managed to impress me with their knowledge. He called it 'factory' the minute I finished describing it. It was an optional accessory you could buy at time of original purchase. I've seen these before with the bulb inside, like you said, it doesn't bother me a bit. The first thing I plan to do is remove the bulb and fixture, (store it in a safe place), swap out the clips and get it ready to play with my kits. I 'may' have to swap out the old-fashioned snares as well if I'm not getting a good sound out of the originals. Anything swapped out will be kept in storage so that the drum can be returned to original condition at any time. I have a ton of respect for these old drums and I'll be real careful with it at all times.

I do want to play it though, not admire it as it collects dust on a shelf.

John

when I had two of these drums(again,without the deluxe cosmetics), I had them setup a couple of ways. one had calf heads and original wires. the other had plastic heads and modern wires. the calf was fine, but I do think the wires gave it a boxy type sound. these are some great sounding drums that can produce a wide range.

when I got my first one about 10 years ago, it had some broken clips. I took the hoops off an acro and used those. you could really dial it in, but I do like the original single flange hoops and clips on these drums.

mike

> I do think the wires gave it a boxy type sound

Mike - That's why I mentioned swapping out the snares! Mike Curotto talks about that all the time, how 'boxy' the sound of the drums are with the original components. I figure with the brass clips and a nice set of Snappy Snares I'll be in business. I'm playing calf heads currently and really digging the warm sound. Likely I'll leave the calf heads on. I'm not a heavy hitter (I play 7A's,) so I'm not worried about busting a head. I haven't broken a head, or a stick for that matter since the mid-60's!

It'll come out fine for playing. I'm really looking forward to enjoying many hours playing this drum. I've waited a long time for this. Some guys go a lifetime and never get to lay a stick on one of these beauty's. I'm very fortunate. The Drum-Gods have smiled down on me. Probably for saving all those otherwise trashed vintage drums all these years. Don't let anybody tell you any different... 'Every dog has his day!' :p

Deal goes down tomorrow. I'll let you guys know how everything went tomorrow night.

Stay tuned... same Bat-time, same Bat-channel! LOL

John

John, I'll trade you a hammered bronze.... LoLoLoLo

Laughing H Trying to catch me sleeping are you? I'll let the little rolling on the floor laughing icon be my answer to you, Sir! :D

Done deal boys! She's officially mine!!!!!

Funny story:

I had asked Gary to call me so we could do the inspection step by step together over the phone. I wanted to hear his 'first impression' so the first thing I asked him was; 'Gary, what do you think?'

Gary responded: 'John, it's one of the nicest ones I've ever seen, it's a museum piece!'

He described the drum to me in such great detail, that when he finished, I had no more questions! I just sat there and held the phone not knowing what to say, but feeling like I should be asking 'some' questions, it's a wad of cash I'm shelling out. Gary had already answered any questions I might have asked, so I asked a couple anyway... just to feel like I was 'doing something'. You know... participating.

His response to my questions was the same every time. He would deliver it in a flat voice, repeating the same answer as if asking me; 'You're not getting this are you?'

'Gary, what about the so and so on the drum?'

In a flat; you're not getting this voice: 'John, it's a museum piece!'

'Ok, but what about the framus on the doo-hicky?'

'John, it's a museum piece!'

'Ok, so what about the Johnson Rod?'

'John, it's a museum piece!'

By the third question (all of which he had already covered mind you,) I was getting the message. I asked for Tom and closed the deal.

Money and instrument are changing hands as we speak. Wait a week and I'll post up some photos when I have it ready to rock.

'Every dog has his day!' Today is mine! AhooooooOOOO!

[IMG]http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n632/PurdieShuffle/howl_zpsa4d392e9.jpg[/IMG]

John

You sure seem to be having a few dog days John. ;) Congrats! Excited

Yep! The Blaemires, now this... my 'Bucket List' is complete. I better watch my a$$!

LOL

John

"John its a museum piece " get the trophy case ready

oh by the by the gut snares are all there and sweet, this drums a player also. id like to hear some brush work on it, think slow 20's belly bumping music! oh what a seen to play out, many nites remembered, it played to a packed house the wiry swish of that drum, coupled with the warming light the kept them coming back for more....

nice score

John if for some reason you don't like it, just send it back. ill buy it off tom, dibbs

What a neat story to follow, amazing snare, way cool!

> "get the trophy case ready"

It's more like; get the snare stand ready! D' Drummer

> oh by the by the gut snares are all there and sweet, this drums a player also.

I have no doubt my brother!

> nice score

Only the best one of my entire drum-life! This thing has history mojo.

> John if for some reason you don't like it, just send it back. ill buy it off tom, dibbs

See? Now you get the little 'rolling on the floor laughing' icon too! Laughing H

Gary - Thank you for your time and your help. -You- made the purchase possible for me. I bought a really sweet Acro from Mike Layton for you as a thank you. I know you did this for me without any expectations, no need to say it. But I just had to say thank you in a way that a 'drummer' would appreciate. Check your PM's.

Thank you man, this was a great experience for me and promises to continue to be so.

A note about Tom, my dance partner in all this... Tom (who we all met at the same time about a week ago,) turns out to be a really nice, decent guy. It was a completely pleasant experience dealing with him. I'd do business with Tom any time, any where. The whole thing is just a ton of fun. Thanks for providing the opportunity and for being so very easy to deal with. Hat's off to, Mr. Tom!

Pix when the drum arrives... D' Drummer

John