Hi everyone,

I'm new to the forum and the drum world and have a question. I believe I posted this 'cry for help' in the wrong forum, so here goes again: First of all, I did search first the form first, but did not see a clear answer to a similar question asked some time ago. Here is the issue. I just purchased (for $10!!!! at a Goodwill store) a 1976 Ludwig Piccolo (Chrome). It is missing the strainer, but otherwise seems to be in very good condition. Some pitting and other small cosmetic issues. If my research is correct, the the proper strainer is the P84 (?). These are not only a little difficult to find, but are expensive. Is there a substitute that would be a correct fit without any modification? I was thinking of trying the Ludwig P83 Elite, but didn't know if that would work (?).

Also one further bit of information: where the strainer was bolted on there are FOUR holes about 1" apart, maybe closer to 15/16. One set of holes is larger than the other pair. Should there be 4 holes or does that mean that someone had already attempted to modify the piccolo to accept another strainer? If you need photos to make this determination, I can shoot you some next week when back in town. I really don't want to spend much on the strainer (more than $50) since I'm not even sure I will keep the piccolo. But will be fore attempting modification I'm inept at such tasks! Smile.

I really appreciate the help in advance.

Peace, Mike