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60s Acrolite -- keep it or sell it or upgrade parts?

Posts: 877 Threads: 324

Hey guys, I found a 60s keystone badge Acrolite a few months ago. It has some serious pitting/rust going on with the rims, and just a little on the shell. Nothing warped or anything, it mainly just looks worn out big time. I don't think it affects the sound though (at least that I can tell, but I don't have prior experience with Acrolites).

I'm trying to decide if I should sell it and find one in better shape. Another idea is to pick up some new rims/hoops...but then it wouldn't be completely original. Of course, I could always scratch the notion of needing to have a 60s version, and pick up a later version (maybe 70s) that is more in mint condition...

Thoughts please???

Posted on 13 years ago
#1
Posts: 877 Threads: 324

From vintagemore2000

are you sure it's an acrolite? acro's don't pit? the chromed hardware will but not the shell?

Right, I was probably not using the proper terminology. It's mainly the hardware in rough shape.

Posted on 13 years ago
#2
Posts: 877 Threads: 324

Also, this drum is for playing. Even though I appreciate the collectable aspect (I'm a fan of the whole keystone "look" as well), I'm using this to play and sound GOOD!

Posted on 13 years ago
#3
Posts: 5176 Threads: 188

Depends on the price. Acrolites that are in GOOD shape can go for $50-150 depending on the year and condition. Soundwise, you can't really go wrong. It just depends on if you can get it inexpensively and then what your willingness to put some elbow grease in on it is.

"God is dead." -Nietzsche

"Nietzsche is dead." -God
Posted on 13 years ago
#4
Posts: 877 Threads: 324

From vintagemore2000

It's up to you on the drum. if it bothers you how it looks then get another one if not and it sounds good then keep it. If you are a performing drummer. the audience almost never lays eyes on the snare drum. I care the most about the sound, then reliabliaty. I don't care if it matches in color, brand or even age. Sound is #1 to me.

Good point...I use a variety of snares, so I don't care about the matching aspect. And I see what you mean about the audience not really seeing the snare drum so much. Chances are, from 10 feet away no one would notice what I'm seeing as far as the hardware rough spots...I'm probably over analyzing it.

Posted on 13 years ago
#5
Posts: 1142 Threads: 134

Flitz and some bronze wool. Then a good coat of wax. That's all you'll need to clean, treat and protect most of what is bothering you. It's not a museum piece and you like the sound. If you go to a "mint" drum, you'll probably be constantly worried something happening to it.

Keep it, clean it and play it. If someone asks questions, tell the story behind the drum.

Tim

Posted on 13 years ago
#6
Posts: 1597 Threads: 96

I agree with the above except keep the bronze wool, steel wool away from that snare use lambs wool and elbow grease then a good chrome polish you will be amazed at how much better it looks...

Posted on 13 years ago
#7
Posts: 937 Threads: 82

Sounds like a keeper to play. Enjoy:D

As our wise friend just said, keep the bronze, steel wool away. Windex works like a charm too on Ludwig steel shells.

-kellyj

"It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing..."
Posted on 13 years ago
#8
Posts: 877 Threads: 324

Yeah I'm going to keep this one, as the 60s versions of this drum are my favorite look. I'll try some of the cleaning tips mentioned, but I'll be gentle. It does sound great. I'll probably use it on my new years gig.

Posted on 13 years ago
#9
Posts: 5550 Threads: 576

a good ol stiff tooth brush does wonders, on threaded stock i run them on the wire wheel for it cleans them up nice....

April 2nd 1969 scarfed pink champagne holly wood and 65/66 downbeat snare, and , supra same year very minty kit old pies
66/67 downbeat with canister
Super 400 small round knob
1967 super classic obp





once the brass ceases to glitter, and the drum looses its luster, and the stage remains dark, all you have left is the timbre of family.
Posted on 13 years ago
#10
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