Matt,

Wonderful idea. Who doesn't love the looks of those Speedfire basses? I've always wanted a Speedfire kit just because of its uniqueness, but either the asking price or all the obscure, missing parts on the few kits available deterred me. I did purchase a Trixon WMP snare a few years ago, but still haven't found affordable snares or tension rods for it. There’s got to be more than a few guys like me out there who love that Trixon look, but just can’t score an affordable kit. You could be filling a marketable niche with a "knock-off" Trixon kit, but keep in mind what Tnsquint accurately pointed out about the appeal of the classic Trixon look. That “Googie” styling is a nostalgic throw-back to the 50’s and 60’s, and some of that appeal could be lost if you “modernize” your Speedfire version.

Considering the great custom rope drums you make now, the toms won't be a difficult undertaking unless you're going to attempt a Trixon-style conical shell (probably not worth it). The real challenge is going to be bending an oblong, egg-shaped bass shell. Work out the cost of this vs. what an average guy like me is willing to pay, and you could end up with a profitable return on the investment. As far as finishes go, your stained shells always look gorgeous, but I’m sure you could offer a pearl or sparkle wrap from Precision if the customer so desired. My question is, what would you use for hardware? Something retro?

Keep us informed if you go forward with this project. And since you can't use the Trixon name or logo, here's my idea for your retro Googie badge:

[Attachment: 76914]

Mike

I was wondering about the ownership thing. Can we assume that no one any longer control of the odd shapes they used - patent infringement type issues?

I've always been fond of that oblong bass look. Saw my first one at a high school dance too many years ago to confide though I will admit it was at a point when they were new on the market here. But that drum won't fit in my MINI very well so I'm out!

Good luck on the project.

tnsquint - That is definitely some food for thought, I never considered the architectural aspect of it.

To answer some questions:

1. I could offer a wrap but it would come at a slightly increased price to the buyer. The time involved with wrapping a kit isn't much different than staining so the additional cast would be the few hunears ago but theydred dollars for the wrap.

2. I don't own the Trixon name, there is a Japanese company that bought it several years ago and they are concentrating on low to mid level marching drums and added drum sets this year. I will not be using the Trixon name on the kits.

3. I did a search and there are no patents on the shape of the drum with the U.S. Patent Office that I have been able to locate. If there ever was a patent on the shape I am assuming it expired long ago. If there was an active patent on the design I am sure I would have heard from someone's legal department by now.

4. No thoughts on hardware yet but (as much as I would hate it) I will probably try and find something existing to keep costs down.

5. Not sure on a name yet but I love the little badge Mike.

6. Don't know about payment plans or financing, I usually get 50% to start the build and 50% upon delivery. Non refundable.

A lot to think about here. I would actually be looking to team up with someone on this to make the shells since I don't have the space to do that as of yet.

Thanks for all the feed back

head replacement would be a nightmare!!!

Matt, who was the guy at the CT show with the conical snare drums? Castle Drums or something like that? He had some very nice snares. Maybe a chat with him can help on the shells or help steer you in the right direction. Very cool idea.

I already have someone in mind, that's all I can say at the moment.

Why would head replacement be a nightmare?

Have you seen the stuff I offer?

Heads

Hoops

That`s a hell of a drum to build guy !! Were those lugs specially designed and tapered to allow for thread movement ? I see a degree of difficulty just getting the threads to meet and work. I can`t see it happening with tube lugs, but I`ve never had a Trixon or seen one up close. There`s got to be a taperd lug foot or tapered hole drilled....Or is it easier than I see it ?

I think you have a real good idea there. I don't know if I could ever afford one of the kits but I still think it's an awesome idea.