70s Ludwig White Marine Pearl for $75.00 (Restoration & Demo)

[@HankNinja]

Ringo’s solo was a nice touch

[@malonedrum]

As soon as I played them, I had that exact sound in my head, so I had to include it!

[@pauldrumstimelessmusic1069]

I think that kit is a keeper. Warm sound. Great job restoring it.

[@malonedrum]

Oh, I think it turned out amazing, but I did sell it. I’m not a user of big drums, so it’s just a tough fit for me personally.

[@frankkonwinski9505]

@@malonedrum 6

[@bpcsurfboards3110]

Just curious what they sold for. @@malonedrum

[@malonedrum]

@@bpcsurfboards3110 I don’t really disclose my personal sales of stuff on the channel, but these kits can go from anywhere like $800 - $2500 depending on the condition and finish.

[@drummerKev]

Very nicely done! I love seeing drummers repair drums like this to their original condition! You should be proud of your great work!

[@malonedrum]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@crlaw75]

Good idea about the organization of parts per drum.

[@malonedrum]

I usually learn these things from wishing I did it on previous projects.

[@johndorohovich3367]

Great restoration, you salvaged a piece of history

[@malonedrum]

Thanks

[@lagartogrande1908]

Nice. Fine restore job. My kit. Ludwig. White marine pearl. Aug 29 1960 stamped in the shells. People say they want to buy them, I say nawww.

[@malonedrum]

Thanks for watching.

[@SuperheroJunior]

​@@malonedrum Ludwig makes such beautiful drumkits 🥁 Ringo Star from the Beatles band made Ludwig famous.

[@josephmonaco4503]

Nothing like the sound of Vintage 70 Ludwig drums... wow..... Great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@malonedrum]

Yup!

[@mortenkalland]

I heard the Ringo solo. Great work.

[@malonedrum]

Nice ear buddy!

[@johndef5075]

I just rewrapped my 60s Ludwigs. Amazing how much just cleaning the hardware improved the look. I used a product called Barkeepers Friend. Never heard the aluminum foil trick. I had to either sell them or my Roland set. Did the next best thing. Converted the Ludwigs to edrums and Im loving them.

[@malonedrum]

Converting a 60s Ludwig to an e kit sounds pretty funny. Would love to see some pics of that!

[@RHawbaker]

What a bargain! Anyone would be happy to own a kit like this! Great job Mike!

[@malonedrum]

Thanks for checking it out Reagan! It was quite the deal.

[@vincentbuonora8477]

You did a really good job….especially on reattaching the pearl wrap. Bass hoops and polishing

[@malonedrum]

Thank you, I’m pretty proud of how this one turned out, and I hope to have more opportunities for kit restorations in due time. Plenty of other projects videos coming soon though.

[@lucguenette7534]

really like the fact u used tape at the seem before applying the glue and clamping, dam good idea. great kit u earned it. feel good story.

[@malonedrum]

Yeah, it's a handy trick I saw somebody else do, great safety measure, especially on vintage stuff.

[@jiffy59]

Very cool restore I played those drums in the 1970s and high school band

[@malonedrum]

Nice! My HS had an old 60s Rogers kit in WMP. I didn’t appreciate in the moment, but afterwards.

[@ScottJarreau]

Automatic follow, for the RDAVIDR shout out! ✊🏾🔥 Great job restoring this kit!

[@malonedrum]

The GOAT

[@malcolmporter8158]

I had a set from the early 60's. My snare was from 1959. Had to let them go a few years back. Sure miss them. 😢

[@malonedrum]

I don't think anybody looks back at getting rid of drums for this era and doesn't regret, you're not alone!

[@marcgingergagne6701]

Great Job and Perfect tunning range ! They way they should be 👍

[@malonedrum]

Appreciate the kind words!

[@ibleebinU]

Excellent job, great deal and they sound so warm and mellow as they should. I would love to have a 60's - 70's kit like these. Nicely done Mike.

[@malonedrum]

I feel like a 60s-70s era kit is a great compliment to something more contemporary.

[@DrummerDanny76]

These Ludwig drums came out great !!!

[@malonedrum]

Agreed!

[@joesmithva757]

Those drums look and sound great! $75 was a steal!

[@malonedrum]

Thanks!

[@romp6969]

I don’t know if anyone one told you, but there was drum key sized to fit the screw on the bass drum mount and tom holders. I had one that came with the used Ludwig kit my father bought for me in the mid 80’s. It was very convenient and I kept it in its own pouch since I only had the one. I assume it was a Ludwig product but I am not 100% sure.

[@malonedrum]

Yeah, I’ve seen those. I can’t believe Ludwig thought that was a good idea. So inefficient and annoying to lug around another tool to make it work. Seems like plenty of drums prior already used wingnuts that didn’t require an extra tool

[@brothermike2506]

I have 2 of these kits been tore down forever but am inspired to get going on them.nice kit thought I did well at under 150.00 ea set but need much more work( rewrap) than yours so mine will look brand new but won't be ( original) this was a decent era but really like the small mahogany shell kits... Vintage mrkt is tuff we gotta make what we get the best we can... nice job Sir

[@malonedrum]

Well shoot, you might have done better than me! Good luck with the restore!

[@dye182]

Just a tip for tearing apart drums I bought a large tray with compartments from harbor freight and labeled the side wall 12”/13”/14”/16” etc keeps everything labeled and separated

[@malonedrum]

I’ve seen some others do that, and I really need to get one for myself! Would be so nice.

[@pfmdude]

Loved this video. As someone who just joined the Ludwig drum family last month, I can honestly say I've never been more happy to be playing the greatest drums ever made. I previously owned an 80's Sonor Phonic kit for 17 years! It was bittersweet selling it but having the opportunity to own an early 70's Oyster Blue Pearl Bowling Ball kit was amazing. My dad had one back in the 70's and this just felt right. It's needed some work but it's all minor stuff and it sounds amazing. That perfect 70's vibe. Keep up the amazing work! -Paul from Milwaukee

[@malonedrum]

Hey, glad you like it! I’m not too far from you in Northeast Wisconsin!

[@AddiKolb]

Bro I have a 75’ phonic kit, those drums are one of a kind and are close to impossible to find in great condition! Amazing drums, some of the best!

[@pfmdude]

@Miraltram honestly, the more I play Ludwigs, the less and less I miss the Phonic drums. I guess it was just a phase that happened to last 17 years. I still respect them and Sonor will always hold a special place in my heart.

[@leosanchezjr850]

Nice kit man, I really like the wrap on this kit.

[@malonedrum]

It’s a classic!

[@mikeweaver238]

Great kit 👍

[@malonedrum]

Thanks

[@peak5154]

Those toms sound real nice. Love ‘em.

[@malonedrum]

Agreed!

[@aking8477]

That's awesome man. I love videos like this!

[@malonedrum]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@bjornskristensen]

A beautiful set well restored back to its old grandeur! A very interesting and very instructive video! Thanks!

[@malonedrum]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@mpcvore]

Great job, wonderful kit...! Bravo...!

[@malonedrum]

Thanks!

[@shardug]

On the curved bass drum spurs, I always replace with Elite spurs. Especially when I do a re-wrap.

[@malonedrum]

Are those the more modern style? I guess I’d hope to re-drill, unless it was a kit I planned to keep.

[@Anne7758]

Newb here. Fascinating vid, lovely kit, mellow sound. Well done!

[@malonedrum]

Welcome aboard!

[@johnvanover6285]

Great work! You did something I would appreciate ! You put everything back like it should be. Respect!!!

[@malonedrum]

Thanks!

[@the_katman2181]

Man, that's money well spent. Beautiful drums.

[@malonedrum]

I completely agree!

[@terrintinovalentine8567]

Yes they do , nice they sound really good .

[@malonedrum]

Agreed!

[@JulianFernandez]

nice project! kudos.

[@malonedrum]

Thanks!

[@SaS-Music]

This is giving me Ludwig-envy. Nice job!

[@malonedrum]

Haha, I’ve been there with ya before!

[@TimBales-ys3mk]

Excellent job and that final musical piece is nice also, nice groove

[@malonedrum]

Thanks Tim!

[@vincentbuonora8477]

Also Nice drumming very smooth rock feel -I would watch video on those grooves and cross and under hand …

[@malonedrum]

Thanks!

[@tripacer2005]

Thats a great job, there is ways of polishing the finish, remove the yellow from the white Marine pearl. Can be found on drum reiteration sites

[@malonedrum]

I seen some find success whitening up a finish, but I personally like the aged look over crisp white (to some degree)

[@kylenoone6232]

Nice kit! Definitely could be worth it to get the bearing edges recut. Especially since they've been at a school with nothing protecting the reso side bearing edge.

[@malonedrum]

Yeah, wouldn't have been a bad idea, not sure what the status is of it now, as I sold it almost a year ago.

[@kylenoone6232]

@@malonedrum oh nice. i guess it’s a better decision if you were keeping it. it wouldn’t make the drums any more valuable and it’s a lot of extra work

[@malonedrum]

@@kylenoone6232 and some people are picky about modding vintage drums, so I leave it to the purchaser when I can.

[@mikeschumacher9715]

The threads on the tone control (mufflers) are cross threaded at the ends on purpose. You can easily break the rod trying to get them off. Instead tighten the tone control enough to give you room, the use a 10-32 thread chaser on the first 1/4" of the rod. Then the rod will come right out. Great job although I don't subscribe to aluminum foil, others sure do. Wonderful kit. Jim A. is a good guy.

[@malonedrum]

That's an interesting fact I didn't know about the internal mufflers, and that makes a lot of sense. Thanks for sharing!

[@Juanescalonaarocha]

The best 132 dollars kit ever!!! Killer kit!!!

[@malonedrum]

It’s certainly up there I imagine!

[@tripacer2005]

Barkeeper's friend, is great for cymbal cleaning very ease to use and no black mess on the drying cloth.

[@malonedrum]

🥁🥁

[@MrSalocio]

Wow what a deal and nice work on the restoration!

[@malonedrum]

Thanks for the kind words, it was surely an amazing deal that doesn't come up to often!

[@StuartJrBarrett]

Great tuning!

[@malonedrum]

Thanks, I kind of just let the drums sit where they wanted and played them. Def got heavy Beatles vibe from “The End”

[@righthearproductions8934]

Thank you so much for this video. I recently acquired a 1968 WMP kit in really nice condition, but there are a few little odds and ends I'd like to address

[@malonedrum]

Glad to hear it's relatable for you! I'd love to see some pictures before or after you get it in playing condition!

[@legendofthestrings1]

I had seen some one clean hardware with mineral spirits (paint thinner) and was supersized how there chrome turned out. SO I had come into a Ludwig L400 from 1964 and used that approach and was really surprised how it worked and I didn't 't have to do anything more. I was dune and it was quick and clean. No abrasives just paper towels. Try it once. A lot of it is just gunk buildup from being uncleaned lol. The drums look and sound great man :)

[@malonedrum]

I'm always looking for a better way to do it, so I'll have to give hat a shot.

[@alanduncan1980]

Those shells from that era with the clear, maple interiors were the best as far as Ludwigs go.The late 50s WFL badge mahogany shells are also great drums.

[@malonedrum]

Yeah, I don’t get too concerned with a difference in shell interior. I’m a fan of Gretsch drums, and the silver sealer is cool and unique I guess, but I’ve always felt it was a cover up for imperfections spun into a marketing tactic. But I do agree, these shells were fantastic.

[@alanduncan1980]

@@malonedrum yeah, you're not wrong. I think the painted interior does do something for the sound, but perhaps that was just a happy mistake. I don't necessarily think they painted the interiors to improve the sound. Like you were saying, it was perhaps a way to mask some imperfections and they turned it into some marketing tactic. The same with Ludwig. They had a name for the white interior. Reso coat or something. I don't remember. I too prefer Gretsch. I think it's the die-cast hoops more than the shells that I attribute the "great Gretsch sound" towards. Matter of fact, I think of all the drums being made back then, I'd rank Ludwig bottom of the pile. Rogers, Slingerland, Gretsch, Camco all made superior drums. They just did! You see that overlapping laminate on the Ludwig's, the bearing edges are not always great. The wood they used was nice. Good maple and good mahogany, but in terms of construction, probably not the best. For me, personally I'm more concerned about having good cymbals and a good snare than what toms and bass drum I'm playing.

[@earldrum]

Great find … nice restoration!

[@malonedrum]

Yeah, the midwest is flooded with old Ludwig kits. Very lucky to be up here in it!

[@CaptainBlueSam]

Oh man, I'd love a kit like that.

[@malonedrum]

They’re out there waiting to be found!

[@CaptainBlueSam]

@@malonedrum around West Tennessee, they are REALLY hard to come by. Especially with the old timers that love to hoard 100+ kits in their homes. Not kidding

[@malonedrum]

@@CaptainBlueSam Yeah, the Midwest is the wild west of vintage drummers floating around in my opinion, so plenty up here to be found.

[@courtbeall7768]

Awesome sounding kit.loved the first rack and kick the most but all are studs.Well done man.

[@malonedrum]

Agreed, wonderful set of drums. Thanks for checking it out

[@richarddrake2331]

They sound great! Good job. Richard

[@malonedrum]

Thanks Richard!

[@jonathanmcroberts8549]

Really good watch.

[@malonedrum]

Thanks!

[@Slickmickyoyo97]

WOW, you can really hear the warmth from those coated heads. I mean seriously, wow!

[@malonedrum]

Yeah, they are great drums!

[@Darrylizer1]

Now that is a barn find for sure. 75 dollars?! Damn. Nice restoration btw. I used some other type of glue that didn't work out for repairing a wrap, superglue seems like such a better choice! derp.

[@malonedrum]

I'm sure a proper contact cement or other adhesive would be better, but the super glue works well and is a bit easier.

[@Darrylizer1]

@@malonedrum Yeah, the easy part is what I was thinking. I''m definitely not the neatest gluer in the world. Using tape to minimize mess is a great idea.

[@billyrhythm]

I hope after you flip this kitbyou do the right thing and send that nice person who sent you the spurs a little thank you gift. I restored an early 70s Vistalite many years ago, and those arc spurs were expensive then. I imagine they are a pretty penny now. That was very generous to send them for only shipping.

[@malonedrum]

Oh, I’m fully aware of the market for little odds and ends for vintage drums. I consider myself very very lucky to have found those for that sort of deal. Hoping I can use the “pay it forward” method to help somebody else in a similar situation sooner or later.

[@backbeatben]

those ludwigs sound excellent

[@malonedrum]

Appreciate this!

[@djmaxamillionpdx]

Great video man, thanks for sharing!

[@malonedrum]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@masterymike1613]

Hey there, Nice job on restoration. I have a 3 piece vintage on what I believe are 1st generation steel pearl octobons for sale. The size of smallest is 16", middle size is 20.5" and deepest is 26.5" The mounting hardware is same as tama but shells I believe are metal. I have fiberglass tama so they definitely not like those. I didn't know if your interested for purchase and perhaps use for video restoration. Thanks again, Michael K

[@malonedrum]

Not particularly, thanks for watching my video though!

[@ralphbenites1819]

Nice job on the restoration 🥁

[@malonedrum]

Thanks Ralph!

[@BRANDONMUNROMUSIC]

These sound soo good

[@malonedrum]

I agree, nothing like a well aged Ludwig!

[@ruairilogan153]

This is such great content

[@malonedrum]

Appreciate it!

[@JennyZTVee]

Sounds amazing!

[@malonedrum]

Thanks Jenny!

[@bloozerd]

Do you mind sharing info about the snare muffler...?...Thanks...!

[@malonedrum]

It's the Snareweight M80, and I can't recommend it enough! Here's a link to get it from Sweetwater (Which also lets them know I sent you, and supports my channel): sweetwater.sjv.io/c/5015118/937020/11319?prodsku=SWM80Blk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sweetwater.com%2Fstore%2Fdetail%2FSWM80Blk--snareweight-m80-leather-tone-control-dampener-black&intsrc=APIG_7338

[@raygsbrelcik5578]

Ya' really have to be IN to drums to go through all that work!

[@malonedrum]

Totally into drums.

[@ivannio8519]

Inspiring. Thank you :)

[@malonedrum]

Your welcome!

[@prodrummerbill]

Nice work, Mike!

[@malonedrum]

Thanks Bill!

[@12groney]

You really got a great deal and did an excellent job restoring. Do you know how many plies and what wood they are made of?

[@malonedrum]

Long time ago now, but I believe 6 ply

[@montearnstam6827]

Dang you sold this!?!? I would have kept it. Beautiful set. Nice work on it 2!

[@malonedrum]

It is beautiful, but not sizes I ever play so passes it on to somebody who will use it.

[@montearnstam6827]

@@malonedrum What sizes do you like?

[@davidenorth]

Very nice!

[@malonedrum]

Thanks!

[@dionnedrummer7430]

What a great score!!

[@malonedrum]

Yes! Hopefully not the last, but surely one of the best I’ve ever had.

[@dustinwilson2351]

Great video but I would suggest fiber glass instead of Body filler aka Bondo . I've restored bearing edges on some 70s Ludwig and the fiber glass worked properly. Also as far as hardware it's funny I looked for bass legs for ever on my 76 Ludwig classic and I had to order them from England.

[@malonedrum]

I’ll have to try that next time, and yes, I can’t believe how lucky I got with the legs.

[@dustinwilson2351]

Great video Mike I enjoyed it very much keep on keeping on brother.

[@sethyboo2361]

They sound great

[@malonedrum]

Thank you!

[@bebimboptrio9840]

Love your videos! Can you tell me where I can buy 1 1/4 “ compression springs for lugs? It’s actually for a gretsch tom that I’m refitting. Also, this Ludwig restoration video has imputed me to refurbish the same white marine pearl Ludwig kit that’s been collecting dust.

[@malonedrum]

Reverb, eBay, and collectors forums are pretty much the best place for authentic vintage parts. Otherwise you can find some retailers online that carry replacement parts for different brands.

[@bebimboptrio9840]

Thanks so much! I found a couple of places, hoping that they restock soon!

[@flocore]

I'm surprised you didn't mention the bearing edges and the separating plies on the floor tom! I think you can really hear it also in the audio, when you played it. It's a crucial part of a drum's tunability and sound potential. Nice job, nonetheless!

[@malonedrum]

Hmmm, it's been so long I can't remember exactly what you're talking about, but it's hard to cover everything in these recap/project videos

[@flocore]

@@malonedrum Look at the floor tom bearing edge on the lower left side at 0:42 mins.

[@MrBeblis]

Omg I would love to have this set

[@malonedrum]

Unfortunately you missed the chance, but it was a lovely set while I had it

[@chriswright8464]

Sound fantastic!!

[@malonedrum]

Thanks!

[@lenovotablet6700]

Even if you'd pay 500 bucks, it would't be a bad deal. Badass drums

[@malonedrum]

Of course, but this was a once in a lifetime opportunity.

[@LillionBrosis]

well done

[@malonedrum]

Thanks!

[@RichardPanico81]

Great work man! I have a similiar kit I got passed down to me bc I play drums. However, what used to be a pearl white wrap is now yellow. Any advice on fixing that?

[@malonedrum]

You can try to use some soapy water to give the wrap a good cleaning without hurting it, but honestly White Marine Pearl is notorious for yellow-ing over years due to light exposure. Some companies even offer a "aged" white marine pearl that already comes a bit yellowed. Not much you can do to bring it back to a neutral white color.

[@ujwiersma8482]

What is the black material that attaches to the rim and flaps when you hit the snare drum?

[@malonedrum]

Snareweight. Great muffling option!

[@ohrid59mk76]

great job !

[@malonedrum]

Thank you!

[@ghostdrums]

Great job! Played alone the 12" (?) Tom sounds quite a bit more resonant than the other toms ... interesting. All in all a wonderful sounding drum kit. Congratulations!

[@malonedrum]

Probably a tuning thing, I tried to leave them all open with mufflers, but sometimes those old mufflers rattle unless you engage them a touch.

[@stijnxd]

What heads did you use on the toms? I like how dry they sound

[@malonedrum]

Probably coated ambassadors, but this was years ago, so not speaking in absolutes.

[@stijnxd]

​@@malonedrum so it's really the shells making this drum so dry then? I put coated ambassadors on mine and they sound drenched when I don't use any deadening, that's interesting

[@malonedrum]

@@stijnxd Could be soooo many different things.

[@darkthingswithmarkdavis4497]

Sick kit!!! 🤒😎

[@malonedrum]

Thanks Mark!

[@karst41]

no cloth for the bass drum?

[@malonedrum]

If you mean inside for dampening, no, not initially. I’m sure it would add the punchy bass drum sound, but sometimes on big kicks I like it open in the style of somebody like Keith Carlock

[@robertsellinger7377]

Great video. A lot of useful tips and tricks. I am currently restoring a 1940 Slingerland Radio King Hollywood Ace 7x14 snare, that is complete with all original hardware. If you haven’t already sold this kit, I would be very interested in purchasing it. Please consider.

[@malonedrum]

Good luck with your restoration!

[@SONORSQ2guy]

Are you using coated Ambassadors on the toms?

[@malonedrum]

Almost always, yes.

[@joecoxy2]

I had a four piece, same colour. 14x5 snare 13 and 18 Toms with a 22 kick. Kicking myself for selling it.

[@malonedrum]

That's a big kit!

[@joecoxy2]

@@malonedrum lol. 18 inch floor tom.

[@Jamie49]

That's a sweet deal! I have a 60's Slingerland kit I'm considering cleaning up. With the aluminum foil did you apply any liquid while scrubbing, or just do that part dry?

[@malonedrum]

Just the aluminum foil, but you could use a solution/polisher if you want

[@Cajundaddydave]

Dude, sell me this kit! 70s Ludwig is exactly what I want as a vintage kit for my project studio. I am sure I could find a decent MIJ stencil kit that didn't suck but... You know!

[@malonedrum]

Sold it about a year ago, right when this video was released.

[@Cajundaddydave]

@@malonedrum I'm sure it was very worth your effort. Cheers!

[@MrE1981]

What about the bearing edges???

[@malonedrum]

If you’re asking why I didn’t recut them, my opinion with vintage drums is save that until it would be absolutely needed. If the drums play well and have that mojo to them (which I somewhat believe is in the hand made inconsistency of them) then do not mess that up.

[@MrE1981]

@@malonedrum Why not have them sound their best? There's no character in tired old edges.

[@malonedrum]

@@MrE1981 I thought they sounded great.

[@本間良文]

ドラムへの愛情がとても良く伝わりました。グッドサウンド👍

[@malonedrum]

🤟🤟🤙🙏👊👍

[@philosophicallyspeaking6463]

Did you ever decide to sell it? I'm looking for something.

[@malonedrum]

I did

[@MauroColavecchi]

Hi guys, I have the same drum set, from my father... but he lost the floor tom somewhere. Now I want to restore the drum, any idea on where I can buy one? Thanks

[@malonedrum]

Try Reverb.

[@MauroColavecchi]

@@malonedrum Thanks Mike

[@drummerboi537]

i wouldlove to buy that kit for that amount

[@malonedrum]

I’m sure, talking from experience, I was loving it too

[@joeyd3324]

we had a hex key we kept in the trap case to tighten toms, and yes, they sucked...

[@malonedrum]

I’ve seen those, total pain

[@adrianchinnery4143]

Is that floor Tom a 14 or 16?

[@malonedrum]

16"

[@stephenszklarski5446]

I would keep the ludwig kit

[@malonedrum]

With the amount of drums that come through my possession, I’d never be able to keep them all

[@SOLDbyYOU]

9.5 on the thumbs up score-o-meter… Very good simple demo of the sounds… And the slight patchiness of the bass drum… LEAVE IT THERE ,! most of that is lost in all but the smallest rooms but he bass drum Ron’s will still carry across a room fat… or jump into a mic fuller… you can always roll it off.. BUT THE WOOD FILLER…. wood filler might not have enough mechanical strength for this application…. If the hole to be repaired is small enough… or if the damaged area can be drilled out but the new larger hole with still be hidden behind the leg mount… I am a retired piano tuner repair person so I do have a little experience with critical wood repairs… and I’m a drummer…. an alternate repair ( stronger) might be to 1) go to a local hardware store and buy a few different diameter wooden dowels that are close to the size you need to “ drill out to” ( or maybe you can use one of your dead drum sticks … they are after all very strong maple or oak wood ) 2) DONT drill until you have chosen the “ right” dowel ( or drum stick) diameter. 3) then PRACTICE drilling into a piece of scrap wood so that you can then check to see if your drill bit size and and the hole it makes , and your dowel size all agree / fit snuggly. 4) once you have a drill bit and dowel match…. 5) WARNING !!! ONLY DRILL INTO YOUR SHELL HALF WAY…HALF OF THE DEPTH…don’t go all of the way through … then drill in from the opposite direction .. to meet where you’ve already drilled… WHY?.???…. Sometimes as you near the “ end of the drilling process, the last thin layer of wood will “ break out” ( rip out)…. It better if that “ rip out” happens in the middle of the shell thickness so you don’t have rip out on either surface.. ( inside or outside of the shell ) 6) test the dowel in the new hole for a snug fit…. That’s called a “dry fit” 7) snug is good …Too tight might not be good…. But LOOSE ( sloppy wiggly) is very not good… 8) sorry go back and re-try on the scrap wood 9) extra credit … if you have pliers “ slip joint pliers” (Google that) … you can grab the dowel in the inner jaws of the pliers and leave little ( crushed) bite marks… that is GOOD.. because when you apply glue to the dowels and insert it into the snug hole… glue REMAINS to help with a better bond. 10) cut the dowel to length.. ( dry fit.. and mark lenght with pencil or sharpie) remove dowel. 11) cut to correct length … a TINY bit short might be better than a lot too long. 12) more extra credit…. If the dowel is REALLY tight… but it in the oven and bake it BELOW 212 degrees for 15 or 20 minutes… yes really… this will temporarily shrink the wooden dowel a tiny bit for a short time…. 13) practice the new test fit… it should be just a little looser 14 ) USE Elmer’s YELLOW GLUE OR TIGHTBOND …OOOPS BACK TO THE HARDWARE STORE 14) DONT DELAY HERE…… lots of glue on dowel and lots of glue in hole. 15) push it in so that it is FLUSH on the outside of the shell. 16) use a damp sponge to wipe away the “ squeeze out” sloppy mess. .. the sooner the better. 17 ) STOP..!!!!! you’re done and your repair is EXACTLY the way a piano rebuilder with 40 years of experience would plug a hole on $100,000 Steinway Grand piano. 18) give it at least an hour to “ cure” back to the scrap wood …. Find the drill bit that makes a hole JUST SLIGHTLY BIGGER than the diameter of the screws that will attach the hardware…. ( leg mount, tom mount, tension lug)… once you have found that correct drill bit, NOW FIND THE DRILL BIT one or two sizes SMALLER…. drill the hole through your plug / repair With the smaller bit first…. Because you can get the smaller drill bit and the newly drilled hole much more accurately CENTERED in the plug ( or wherever you want the hole to be… 19) ok ..now you can re- assemble … I have a small container of WHITE LITHIUM GREASE… AND ..I smear a tiny dab of this stuff on ALL screws first ( do all of them at the same time to same time ) on the threads… this will assure that the screws don’t rust in place so you can maintain the drums forever. 20) DONT OVER TIGHTEN !,!!!!! very snug should be fine… the next time you change your heads…re SNUG… ..but too tight means possibly breaking or stripping screws. If they aren’t loosening up… and they aren’t rattling…. VERY SNUG …. Is fine

[@malonedrum]

This is a very thorough comment, appreciate the effort here.

[@SOLDbyYOU]

@@malonedrum yes sir… I was a member of the “Piano Technicians Guild” ( the PTG)… very low dues to become a member but I had to “test in” tune a piano, make some basic repairs and then interview… THEY were looking for interest in doing it right…. What they gave is… once a month someone would do an advanced lesson on some special technique including … tuning repairs, refinishing….. including “ when to use yello glue vs tightbond vs hot Hyde or even the very fast cure super glues or VERY SLOW cure epoxies… If You are repairing a bearing edge that has a HORRIBLE big ugly gouge…. Experiment with “ West System Epoxies”…. ( Gorgeoun Brothers I think ) Get it at West Marine Boat supplies…. Why… because you can get the hardener in three different speeds… slow cure… very slow cure… and don’t touch it for 24 hours cure … Those are times time Hard as nails…. But the working time called “pot life”… is also slow…. When working with very hard dense wood like oaks and maple… the wood is DENSE…so the epoxy will “ firm up and hold shape… but will continue to seep deeper and deeper into the wood as it cures…. So you will have a VERY strong build/fill/ repair… BUT the stuff is so hard that when you try to sand it down to level and feather the epoxy to the surrounding wood…. BE CAREFUL… because you may sand away wood faster than you sand away the epoxy…use hard sanding block that apply pressure evenly across the whole area. Also the West System has an additional “ filler” to help thicken your goo to help shape it . Fiberglass resin IS NOT AS STRONG. also ( back to the PTG) “ the slower the cure” ( when done right) the Stronger the final product. .. Finally when ever you mix glues and build ups… save a glop of the mixed stuff… dont throw it away… that way in the next one, two three ten days….you can see how well your mix really cured. I used the west system slow cure to repair a split on my 1970 Rogers Red Onyx 12x8” tom re-enforcement ring… ( maple) where the ring overlaps… it came undone/ split…. That repair is twenty years old…. Still invisible Thx again for accepting my comments

[@malonedrum]

@@SOLDbyYOU Great story, thanks for sharing.