Can't wait to look. I truly have no idea how to restore this drum. Sure I can clean a drum, but would not have the slightest idea on how to restore the finish to it's original luster. I may just keep it as a player. How much do you guys think it would cost to have a pro do this for me?

Not saying that the stamp SHOULD be there or anything, I just remembered that that's where mine is, and it's another place you could check. I know that those 'b' stamps showed up as early as 69 on COB cut-badge snares, but I don't know about Beautys.

I also don't know the best way to restore nickel. Someone here will be able to guide you. But I can guarantee that whatever you'd pay a pro to restore it would be a drop in the bucket compared to what the drum will be worth when it's done. Hell, it could be worth around $800 in its current condition. Like I said, pointy badged BBs are very, very desirable, especially to certain asian countries.

Any restoration will definitely be worth your while.

It looks like the black nickel coating is thin in spots so you can't restore

it to the original condition.

Both of the following methods work and won't damage the finish further.

1.) Spray WD40 on the shell, let it soak for a bit and scrub gently with

a soft cloth. This will remove any greenish tarnish. Repeat if necessary.

Dry with a soft cloth.

2.) Soak a cotton cloth with white vinegar and rub gently. Vinegar is

acidic and will cut thru grime and tarnish. Repeat as necessary. Rinse

by using a soft cloth soaked in water.

Avoid any abrasive cleaners, metal polishes etc,

Hope this helps.

MW

Thanks for your help

How's this coming along?

I am going to play out with for the first time tonight. I have only done a soft cleaning to it. I spoke to Jack Lawton about refinishing it and it seems to be way out of my hands and there does not appear to be any way to get it back to factory new so I am just going to keep it as is. I will replace the Yamaha top hoop and that is about it. It sounds great though.

Pffft, Jack Lawton. Take a black sharpie to it and you're good to go. :)

This is a bit of fun which evolved from my badly pitted 400, bought in Manny's NYC in late 1971, which I had sandblasted and powder coated, then finished with a couple of spray cans of Audi Diamond black car paint. The die cast hoops were donated by a friend (he thought they were most likely Ludwig), and I cleaned up the fittings. Total cost £25.00 (about $40.00) Not sure what I would call it now, but it's certainly a conversation piece.....

... and a great match for my '71 Black Nitron SS Gretsch ...

Verminator-if this is indeed a BB and i believe it is, then you are the luckiest drummer in the world to have scored one for this price and that`s a huge understatement to say the least...I have a 1980/81 'rounded corners' BB that`s in very much the same condition as yours,but that`s because i`ve been gigging it for 33 yrs.Just play that BB as is and don`t worry about the cosmetics-you know how it sounds and that sound is recognizeable from a country mile away...

Wayne

Youda Man!!!! Thanks for the props. I played it out for the first time last week and I had to put ear plugs in as it was sooooooo loud. I am a big guy who hits hard so this drum may be overkill, but I loved it.