Drum building/projects

[gretsch-o-rama]

I don't think we had a thread on this topic, so I though I'd start it off as I'm just getting into this...

Keller just started making this "magnum" shells which is in the same vein as the Gretsch/Sonor shell construction...I decided to get into trying my hand at some custom builds, confident that I'd be happy with the results...









And this was my last build... I stole a bunch of parts from some Renowns that I have, and added DW's magnetic throw...Primo ear candy..






Thanks!

[captainziltoid]

Nice looking drum...finish is sweet.

[gretsch-o-rama]

Nice looking drum...finish is sweet.

lol Thanks, it's actually a Gretsch factory finish...it's one of those second shells from off of Ebay.


On another note, does anyone have any preferences on traditional die cast hoops? Or which ones have the thickest chrome plating? I've been looking for some information on which ones would be best to build with...Thanks!

[Christopher]

I built a small kit some years back. It was fun to do and ended up sounding nice.

[gretsch-o-rama]

Yeah that was exactly why I decided I wanted to do this more after my first build...I was impressed that I knew enough to craft the exact sound/tone that I wanted...

[gretsch-o-rama]

Bought myself a cheap router table. Also dropped a 100$ on the 60 degree chamfer Gretsch router bit...

[gretsch-o-rama]

My latest build. This sob is at least 15 pounds but I haven't weighed it yet. Beast.

[Mike Meyers]

I've built 2 sets and 3 snare drums. It was cheaper than buying the pro kit I wanted, plus I got some experience on what affects the sound. Most important thing I learned...if you are doing the finish on the drums yourself (not covering), do the ENTIRE kit together. It is a PITA to match finishes. I customized Pearl's Opti-mounts for a DW tom clamp and put Pearl die-cast hoops on the toms. I was going for a Gretsch sound on my 2nd kit.

First kit I built:


Second kit I built:

[gretsch-o-rama]

You must apparently love Sonor drums as much as I do! LOL

What's the specs on the first kit? Shells? Lugs? Etc...

[Mike Meyers]

Amber colored kit:
8 x 10 tom - 6-ply maple
9 x 12 tom - 6-ply maple
14 x 14 floor - 8-ply maple
16 x 16 floor - 8-ply maple
18 x 20 kick - 6-ply maple
Optimounts with DW tom brackets on 10 & 12 toms, World Max floor tom baskets on 14 & 16 toms
Triple flange hoops with cheap Pearl crap lugs that all entry level sets are made of
45 degree cut bearing edges

White wash kit:
7 x 10 tom - 8-ply maple
7 x 12 tom - 8-ply maple
12 x 14 - 8-ply maple
14 x 16 - 8-ply maple
18 x 22 kick - 10-ply maple
14 x 18 kick - 10-ply maple
Optimounts with DW tom brackets on 10 & 12 toms, World Max floor tom baskets on 14 & 16 toms
Pearl die cast hoops on toms with Yamaha knock off lugs
Rounded bearing edges like Gretsch drums

I do love Sonor drums but these kits were not built to sound or look like them originally. If I was able to get a drum endorsement, I'd love to have Sonor!