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To refinish or not to refinish? Last viewed: 1 hour ago

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First off, I'd like to thank everyone here for all the hard work that has been put into this forum and site. There's an unreal amount of useful information here. My hat's off to everyone who has contributed.

For example, I posted in this forum (see previous post "who made this drum?") asking for info about the maker of this drum, and from the answer (Thanks GG Vintage!), I did some digging on this site and lo and behold, found a very close example of my drum!

I would like to strip the drum and painted hoops of their finish to bring it back close to what I would call its original state, but I am not sure if this is considered a no-no in the vintage drum world. In the vintage guitar world a refinished guitar is known unaffectionately as a "refin". Does the same thing apply for a vintage natural wood drum?

Also, what heads would you go with?

Thanks!

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--Rick

60's Pearl/Star Stencil "Stagelite" 3 pc - Tiger Pearl
'76 Ludwig Acrolite 5x14 Snare
50's Slingerland Radio King 5x14 Snare - WMP
70's Ludwig 16-Lug 14x10 Concert Snare - Silver Sparkle
60's Slingerland Marching Snare - WMP
20's Leedy Marching Snare - Mahogany
Gretsch Catalina Birch 5 pc - White Pearl
Pearl Brass Piccolo 3x13 Snare
Posted on 14 years ago
#1
Posts: 5176 Threads: 188
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Yes, it does. but your drum isn't a particularly collectible or (currently) valuable drum. If you plan on selling it, I'd recommend just leaving it alone. if you're going to keep it, then it's your call.

"God is dead." -Nietzsche

"Nietzsche is dead." -God
Posted on 14 years ago
#2
Posts: 5176 Threads: 188
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The "best" heads would be calfskins, but that's not really feasible, either because calfskin heads cost a ton of money (unless you tuck them yourself). It really depends on your intentions and love for the drum. If it's a sentimental drum, then no one can place a value on that. If it's a "player" then practicality is the operative word.

"God is dead." -Nietzsche

"Nietzsche is dead." -God
Posted on 14 years ago
#3
Posts: 6170 Threads: 255
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if you think the hoops were painted, i would strip those and take them back to the nice natural wood color. maybe its maple and would be a nice contrast to the shell. as far as the shell, i would just clean it and wood polish it. cald heads would be nice but are expensive.

mike

Posted on 14 years ago
#4
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Thanks for the advise, Mike. Last night I took the strap holder (for lack of a better term) off of the top hoop and sure 'nuff found it to be maple! I'm going to strip the hoops today so I'll post pics. I'm going to take your advise and just leave the shell. I found the bearing edges are in excellent shape.

I've got so many projects going that I won't be able to afford new heads yet but I'm thinking about going with the Remo Powerstroke 3 Simulated Calfskin Fiberskyn as an inexpensive alternative to calfskins. Any opinions on these?

Anyhow, it ought to sound and look great after I put it back together!

--Rick

60's Pearl/Star Stencil "Stagelite" 3 pc - Tiger Pearl
'76 Ludwig Acrolite 5x14 Snare
50's Slingerland Radio King 5x14 Snare - WMP
70's Ludwig 16-Lug 14x10 Concert Snare - Silver Sparkle
60's Slingerland Marching Snare - WMP
20's Leedy Marching Snare - Mahogany
Gretsch Catalina Birch 5 pc - White Pearl
Pearl Brass Piccolo 3x13 Snare
Posted on 14 years ago
#5
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