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16" Floor Tom to Bass Drum conversion Last viewed: 21 hours ago

Posts: 162 Threads: 25

Merry Christmas, everyone! I'm thinking about converting a Round Badge 16" x 16" Floor Tom into a 16" Bass Drum. My question is should I go for a 12" x 16" Bass Drum (like Elvin's one), or a 14" x 16" (like Brian Blade's floor tom to bass drum conversion)?

Please note that the 12" x 16" was once a special order item from Gretsch. There are also some factory original 14" x 16" bass drums out there as well. 16" bass drums are still available as a custom order item, but only in the 14" depth.

What do you guys think?

[IMG]http://i1241.photobucket.com/albums/gg510/irahawaii/elvin_16.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1241.photobucket.com/albums/gg510/irahawaii/brianblade_16.jpg[/IMG]

Posted on 11 years ago
#1
Posts: 1342 Threads: 71

Personally, I wouldn"t go cutting up a RB Gretsch shell. I would convert it as a 16x16 bass drum and do it in a way that the drum can always be easily converted back to a floor tom. Sounds like a good project though and those little bass drums do look cool.

Posted on 11 years ago
#2
Posts: 162 Threads: 25

Thanks, Gerald. Actually, I'm looking for a player's grade drum/shell that I won't feel guilty about cutting down. I also wouldn't want to buy a collector's grade drum and alter it. Happy Holidays!

Posted on 11 years ago
#3
Posts: 51 Threads: 20

I'd go 14x16. little more meat and volume than 12.

Posted on 11 years ago
#4
Posts: 410 Threads: 60

I would search for a 14 x 16 and make your conversion . Get some natural maple hoops and some DW clamp on spurs. I did this to a 16 x 18 Gretsch and it is the best bass drum i own,

1966 ludwig club date champagne sparkle 20-12-14
1979 gretsch black nitron 20-12-13-16
1972 Rogers blue onyx 20-12-13-16
2012 gretsch renown 57 18-12-14
1980's gretsch Ice blue 22-12-13-16
1980's gretsch Ice blue 18-10-14
1972 slingerland silver sparkle 22-12-13-14-16
Posted on 11 years ago
#5
Posts: 1836 Threads: 336

A friend of mine just converted his 18" Vistalites into a bass drum and did so without drilling any holes and it can easily convert back into a FT. I would say try to find an old marching/concert drum that you can use and is already cut.

Posted on 11 years ago
#6
Posts: 334 Threads: 42

Gene D'Amico makes a cradle for using a floor tom as a bass drum.

http://damicodrums.com/new_cradle.htm


1971 Ludwig Rock Duo set in Blue Oyster Pearl
early Mapex dual bass drum Saturn kit
1964 Leedy Ray  Mosca kit in Blue Sparkle
1959 Slingerland Super Gene Krupa snare in WMP
1968 Slingerland Hollywood Ace Snare Drum
1969 and 1977 Ludwig 400 Supraphonic snares
1965 Acrolite snare
Ludwig Coliseum snare
'68 Rogers Dynasonic snare
Pearl free floating piccolo snare
13" Mapex piccolo snare
6.5" deep Mapex steel snare
Mapex 6.5" Brass snare
I know there's more snares than that.
UFIP cymbals / Avedis Zildjians
Ghost pedals or Tama King Beats
you kids get off my lawn

 

Posted on 11 years ago
#7
Posts: 1525 Threads: 127

Remain calm, don't cut, drill, or alter. There are simple solutions. I have some beautiful Champagne sparkle drums with a 16x18" floor tom. I use a LP claw and some old vintage ludwig fold out spurs for my 18" conversion.

[IMG]http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l37/1vibes/Champagne%20Sparkle%20Classic%20Ludwig%201968/0c66c66741761f062b692d02cf894c3f_zps8362fb2b.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l37/1vibes/CYMBALS%20%20Misc/79c3910ab1d44f5446f17e12c804953e_zps2812fa9c.jpg[/IMG]

You can make something work. Even with a door hinge if your handy.

I was able to use my Sonor foot attaché meant with the claw to secure it to the rim of my floor tom. I did not change heads or anything. Just felt strips. Sounds fine.

Posted on 11 years ago
#8
Posts: 162 Threads: 25

Thanks for all of the info, everyone! Cool1

Posted on 11 years ago
#9
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