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swapping hardware from one vintage snare to another?

Posts: 13 Threads: 7

hello esteemed experts,

I have two '60s vintage snare drums. same drum, very close in age, different finish.

I am eventually going to sell one. some of the hardware is more pitted on one than the other. I'm thinking about swapping out some of the lugs to make one drum primo, and the other not-so-primo. incidentally, so that I can sell the primo one to someone who's concerned about vintage value and cosmetics - I don't give a toss about it.

I would never try to pull the wool over any vintage collector's eyes, A. because it's dishonest and jive. B. because those types are scary good at telling if something is fishy with a drum.

so, does it lower the value to have had the lugs swapped around? when both drums are within a couple of years of each other?

would you rather have a drum with all of the EXACT original parts, never having been removed from the shell, warts and all?

should I bother cleaning the drum up (polishing the chrome and the shell)?

opinions?

Posted on 11 years ago
#1
Posts: 977 Threads: 124

NOT at all. Just take care in doing so. Simichrome or Cape Cod cloths work wonders on chrome (Simi's 1st choice here) or nickel (cape cod). Do not use steel wool or the like. If you must use very fine steel wool & DO NOT go crazy as it can eff up the finish.

Chris

Posted on 11 years ago
#2
Posts: 1570 Threads: 66

There are some things you don't touch----badges, serial #"s if present. If the two drums are the same exact model, it isn't a crime to swap lugs or t-rods .Some parts have been mechanically upgraded , while remaining cosmetically the same too. I'd be carefull, moving them around. I guess where the fine line occurs is if it is a drum of known provenance------particular people commissioned or purchased it, or built it , or it was played at a particular event or by a particular person---then the cachet of the drum is in it's authenticity and originalness and it shouldn't be touched but there aren't a lot of historical artifact drums around.

Posted on 11 years ago
#3
Posts: 919 Threads: 82

As long as there is no drilling or cutting.

For instance, swapping a p87 classic strainer and a p83 jazzfest is a no no.

The holes do not line up. Same with p38 and p34 snare butts.

Btw what snares and years are we talking about?

I like Drums...
1963 Ludwig Downbeat Champagne Sparkle
1964 Leedy (Slingerland) Blue n Silver Duco
1964 Ludwig Club Date Sparkling Silver Pearl
1966 Ludwig Super Classic Sparkling Silver Pearl
1968 Gretsch round badge modern jazz orange stain
1972 Slingerland 85N Pop outfit Light Blue Pearl
1976 Ludwig Vistalite clear
1981 Gretsch SSB Gran Prix Rosewood
1987 Yamaha Turbo Tour Custom Mellow Yellow
1991 Pearl Export Ferrari Red
Posted on 11 years ago
#4
Posts: 2349 Threads: 79

With consideration to the caveats mentioned above about drums with provenance, I'd do it, and indeed do. I'll add rare / old drums to the list of 'don't touch' as well. If a part is broken on an old / rare drum, replace it without ANY modifications and include the broken part when the drum is passed along.

Most musicians don't pound on their instruments, we do. Things break, and get replaced.

fishwaltz
Posted on 11 years ago
#5
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