Rope drum newbie - Am I in over my head? - Page 1

Posts: 3 Threads: 2

Let me start by saying hello and letting everyone know that I'm a musician, but not a drummer. I'm a Civil War Reenactor and a fifer. I thought it would be cool to get my son (he's the drummer) a rope tension drum so we could play together at some of my CW events.

I did a little research and started looking for a rope drum to purchase. I found and won a small drum on ebay. I was the only bidder.

It is unmarked but I believe it to be made by Lyon and Healy of Chicago. It could be as old as 1880 but I'm not sure.

[Attachment: 30644]

It is complete but of course it needs new rope, new tugs, snares, and heads to be a player. So...

Who sells 3/16 rope? Can I get a new head (11.5 inside diameter) or must I tuck my own? Gut snares? Should I add a strainer? I think I can replicate the tugs.

Any thoughts, direction or advice is appreciated.

DCMatt

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rope drum 1a.jpg

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Posted on 13 years ago

JRichard

Member

Joined 16 years ago

Posts: 818 Threads: 10

Here ya go!

http://www.cooperman.com/

Yes, you'll need snares. Cooperman's has everything you need.

Posted on 13 years ago

Bill75

Member

Joined 13 years ago

Posts: 13 Threads: 2

Also check here:

http://www.drummersservice.com/

They do a lot of drum restoration and building of rope drums.

Posted on 13 years ago

kevins

Member

Joined 16 years ago

Posts: 6288 Threads: 375

Mo stuff

Link...........

Kevin

Posted on 13 years ago

DCMatt

Member

Joined 13 years ago

Posts: 3 Threads: 2

Thanks for the the links. One of them helped me find George Carroll in Alexandria, VA (www.ropedrum.com). I met him at his shop yesterday. He immediately identified the drum as an 1880's Noble & Cooley. It's a toy - but a really nice one. I left the drum in his capable and experienced hands for restoration.

Thanks again for pointing the way.

Posted on 13 years ago

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