Piecing My Drumkit Back Together

[HAVN]

I have an old kit that I bought 15+ years ago. For a few years seriously making music was impossible, and I had no disposable income. Sold a lot of my gear. Since the drums weren't being touched, I loaned some of the hardware to various friends that never came back to me. My youngest brother's friend was also trying to start a band and asked if he could borrow the shells -- they were just collecting dust at that point so I said yes. Of course the kit was returned years later in a sorry state -- though at least it was returned.

Fast forward to now. Folks live a few hours away from me but have an unused, finished Michigan basement. I also finally have the means to invest in gear, but not the network to make music. Was never extraordinary on the kit (my meter is not my strongest suit) but in high school I did play in drumline (tenors) and symphony band.

Kit was in a chrome-ish stainless steel wrap. Since it's not vintage and resale value was little or none, I stripped the wrap, puttied and sanded the shells, and stained "espresso", then lightly poly'd 'em in satin. They turned out pretty well. Ordered new heads this morning.

A lot of the lugs are also tweaked and in need of replacement, but should be able to get those anywhere.

Current plan is to get an inexpensive interface, some microphones, and bring a lot of my equipment to my folks' place. I can set up up the mics and just hit the record button when inspiration strikes. Will likely also bring my guitar rig here and just keep a practice amp in Chi. Also have some bass gear that's not been touched in quite some time. Next will be a Rhodes and cello.

Will post some pictures once reassembled. In the meantime, if anyone has any dark-sounding crashes or rides, snare and/or cymbal stands that you're looking to get rid of at reasonable prices, let me know.

[HAVN]

Update: Here are the refinished shells. The one still wrapped in stainless on the floor is what the whole kit originally looked like.



Got some chrome hoops for the kick on eBay ($40) and new heads all around (lotta simulated calfskin, sounds really nice and dark, $200). Picked up a used boom, snare stand, throne, and DW 5000 single kick pedal today via Craigslist ($150). New top rim for my snare also came in the mail ($10).

Last weekend I picked up a set of Paiste 404s via Craigslist -- heavy 14" hats, 18" crash, and 20" ride ($200 for the lot). These are supposed to be the same alloy as the 2002 series -- entry to intermediate level cymbals from the 70s / 80s. I really like the sound, and they're in very good condition.

Not my drumming, but here's a sample of the same ride: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTl18mqeN4s

Just missing a clutch for the hi-hat stand and a few lugs for the kick drum. Need to clean / lubricate some of the hardware and one of the snare stands needs to be polished, but overall things are coming together.

[Invisible Man]

I think that looks great! Repurposed drums are really fun...it's not always as cool to have to worry about preserving the integrity of that sparkle wrap (or whatever fancy thing you choose). Their sole purpose is to be hit with big wooden sticks, after all.

My last kit was a mongrel setup...old 28" kick drum from a castoff marching band, 13" rack, 16" floor. None of them matched, so I just stripped the wrap and covered them in copies of old Marvel comics covers...this was before Marvel exploded on the collective consciousness of global culture with its movies. I got tired of that, and did more-or-less the same thing you did here--just sanded, puttied, and stained a three-tone burst (red/orange/yellow).

Sounds like you got some good deals on everything, too. Love to hear some clips if you can get 'em.

[ShaolinLambKiller]

Looking good, now it's time to just practice more on it.

[ProCarsteNation]

ooooh that looks tasty!
congrats on the good deals you got

[snipelfritz]

Very pretty!

[HAVN]

old 28" kick drum from a castoff marching band

I bet that thing sounded awesome.

[HAVN]

Thanks to all for the kind words. I'll put some videos up later this afternoon as I'm nearing the finish line.

[Invisible Man]

old 28" kick drum from a castoff marching band

I bet that thing sounded awesome.

Yes. It did...super kick on there, it was so low pitched it was hard to mic and record. I've since gone the other way, and have an 18" kick. So much easier to work with/get through doorways.

[HAVN]

Final result: