sorry guys i was just kidding.. but i was having a good time following these posts. hope it continues. almost like a nice form of reality tv!

LOL - You think that's funny, but news like that can give some of the old men here a heart attack! Eye Ball

Tommy, I can't thank you enough for making an old drummer's dream come true like this. Your good fortune turned out to be my good fortune as well.

You've been a great guy to meet and to deal with. This was the largest amount of $ I have ever paid for a single drum in my 50 years of playing. I'm real glad I encountered and got to deal with, an honest, decent person. It's been fun, I agree, but nerve wracking all at the same time. I haven't felt this 'alive' in awhile!

Glad to have met you! We had Karma together and now it's been resolved.

Pix of the drum when it arrives on Monday!

John

Wow Purdie, you got your green glass and BB so close together. Send some of that luck my way! ;)

That's why I said I have to watch my a$$ now. -All- of my 'Bucket List' drums are now ticked off the list!

Is there supposed to be a lightning storm tonight? I'm not going out!!! :D If I ever run into a Gladstone kit at a garage sale, that'll be it for me, I may never leave the house again!

John

I've been doing some homework. I thought I'd share some of what I learned because it may come in handy for you one day.

I was inquiring about proper cleaning methods for lacquered brass. I found this helpful information:

"Never try to use brass polish on a lacquered piece, no matter what the metal, because brass polish will damage and cloud the lacquer. Lacquered items should be dusted and cleaned with a very soft cloth, which may be moistened. "

There is a safe way to test a metal surface to see if it has been lacquered. Mix one part baking soda with one part white vinegar. Rub the mixture onto a small area. If the surface cleans up and polishes up immediately, there is no lacquer on the surface. If the surface stays the same, it has been lacquered.

It turns out that even the most durable of lacquer overcoats doesn't last but 20 years estimating on the high side. During that same time, lacquer also has a tendency to yellow. I will test a small part of the shell with the Baking soda/vinegar mix to see what state the lacquer overcoat is in. If the lacquer is still there after almost a century, I'll use warm water and a mild liquid dish-wash soap to remove the years of dust and dirt. If it has been removed or broken down by prior cleanings, I'll just use the Baking soda/vinegar mix to clean and polish the shell.

Important stuff to know if you're trying to restore the finish on any lacquered metal drum shell. Just thought I'd share it.

John

i know John the doe re me has hit its limits here at my house too theses drums r worse than drugs the fix is not there it goes and goes more more more ....but man o man we got some nice drums here lately that's a fact !!!

John, this is incredible! Congratulations on your purchase- very cool indeed!

James

In John Aldridge's book,he suggests using a vey light machine oil,like 3 in 1 to clean the black nickel.He also say to never use hot water on the drum either,which could soften the lacquer.

Considering he's seen BB's in the thousands,I'd say it's probabley sound advice.

It also may be a good idea to PM Mike C,Mark Cooper and Jim Messina for their sage council and advice..

Pics of the before and after John,best of luck.Cool1

Steve B

I wrote to Mike Curotto, waiting to hear back from him. 3 in 1 oil I'll use it. I've got 16 replacement clips coming, (the originals crack so easily,) in Aztec Gold finish so they'll match the hardware and I'll be able to tension the drum the way I want it.

I've spent the last week studying everything I could find on Black Beauties, including rereading John Aldritch's articles. I'm at the point where I'm not finding much new material that I haven't already read/found on the web.

It'll be here tomorrow! I don't think I'll get much sleep tonight! :D

John

Hey John,

Bet it will be a sleepless night :-). Lacquered is easy to spot. A cracked and yellow coating is it.

Only tried to remove it once and it didn't go well. Need to sort what kind L. it is.

Careful with baking soda. Thought it would work better for cleaning threaded parts in the tumble. Wrong. Took the chrome plating off in 10 min. Lucky it was just MIJ test parts. Abrasive and caustic.

Hoard the clips. Doubt there will be any good repo's soon.

Hope you get some helpful input.

Creighton