This ‘50s era steambent shell was so out-of-round that heads wouldn’t fit anymore.
It didn’t take long to cut away the existing reinforcement rings. The trick is to keep the shell together long enough...
...to install my lathe-turned fingerjointed re-rings which successfully brought the drum back into round.
The ‘After’ photo of a refinishing job on a lovely steambent Payne Birdseye Maple drum.
This mid-80s dowel reinforced SOTA Rosewood segment shell had been used in a Pearl Free-Floater for years.
We added new edges, UV high gloss, 24K hardware and a pair of White Oak Hoops to really trick this drum out.
This Ludwig six-lugger was painted with a roller and Porch Paint before I sprayed Piano Black Lacquer.
A beautiful Ludwig Satinwood veneer drum received a new throwoff, edges and Cocobolo hoops.
My next reno is a ‘58 Trixon Speedfire kit complete with 5 concert toms, 20 inch floor tom and Flat Tire Bass Drum.
Pretty much every single part is broken, corroded or missing, so it may be a while before I am rocking this one.
More nonsense. Owwwwww.
Black Cherry segment shell with a transparent black lacquer finish in a Pearl Free Floater rig.
A sweet little Sonor Designer 12 inch which I fitted with our hoops in Pau Amarello and African Blackwood.
I carefully steamed numerous contusions out of the bearing edges of this 1930s era Ludwig & Ludwig piece.
A buddy’s Supra 400 resplendent in its new African Blackwood finery.
Over the years I have had the chance to repair and restore some wonderful vintage (and not so vintage) instruments. Here are a few interesting specimens...
Restoration Work
