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Cool Old Sonorus Bass Drum Last viewed: 1 hour ago

sonorus
Posts: 188 Threads: 53

Hello everyone,

I recently got this super cool old Sonorus bass drum in the mail from Germany, and I'm wondering if anyone might have some information about it. All I know is that it's from ~1930s, and it's a Belgian brand. Apparently it's not related in any way to Sonor?

Here's an album of some pictures taken from my phone (I'll take some better ones in a few days): http://imgur.com/a/VtWTI

I'll also upload some pictures directly to the forum at some point - I'm currently staying at the hospital, and it seems their security isn't allowing me to do so. DOH

The shell size is 19-1/4" - weird! It's 3 ply from what I remember. Hmmmm

It's missing one head and part of one of the mufflers, but otherwise everything is original and complete.

I'm going to try and see if I can get a Remo pre-international (19-5/8") head to fit, but if it doesn't, I'll probably have to custom make a flesh hoop and tuck some calf.

The original hoop color seems to be the green and gold paint - someone has stuck some sort of wood-colored veneer over it. I'll work on peeling that off ASAP.

Here's the one and only set I can find that looks similar to my drum: http://www.vintagedrumforum.com/showthread.php?t=56724

Anyways, if anyone has any info on this brand or specific drum, I'd love to learn more about it! Thanks for reading. Group Hug

Posted on 8 years ago
#1
Posts: 188 Threads: 53

Here's most of the pictures, in case my link stops working or something.

Posted on 8 years ago
#2
Posts: 1651 Threads: 215

I have a Czech made bass drum and actually found standard Remo heads to fit it. Think it just depends on the thickness of the collar. But heads shouldn't be too much an issue. I can't offer much info on the drum. But I love Euro made drums, some cool looking hardware.

The one thing that strikes me odd though is this. I know MIJ drums had writing in English as they were imported to US/UK. But a lot of these Euro drums ( for instance my Czech drum ) also has the badge in English, and many of these were never directly imported to the US, or even left their respective countries ( aside someone moving,etc.. ) So why is the badge in English?

18 Kits & 40+ snares..
Not a Guru, just addicted to drums

- Jay
Posted on 8 years ago
#3
Posts: 188 Threads: 53

From ARCHxANGEL

I have a Czech made bass drum and actually found standard Remo heads to fit it. Think it just depends on the thickness of the collar. But heads shouldn't be too much an issue. I can't offer much info on the drum. But I love Euro made drums, some cool looking hardware.The one thing that strikes me odd though is this. I know MIJ drums had writing in English as they were imported to US/UK. But a lot of these Euro drums ( for instance my Czech drum ) also has the badge in English, and many of these were never directly imported to the US, or even left their respective countries ( aside someone moving,etc.. ) So why is the badge in English?

I'm glad to hear that modern heads fit your drum. The head will be here in the mail today, so I'll try it tonight! I wish such thing as a 19" drumhead existed, but 19-5/8" is close enough, hopefully.

That is indeed a good question... I think it could be because these old Euro companies certainly seem at least somewhat inspired by American made drums. For example, the lugs on mine look pretty similar to the Radio King lugs of the 30s and 40s.

Today it's not too uncommon to find English in other countries... Not sure why there'd be English in Belgium in the 1930s though!

Posted on 8 years ago
#4
Posts: 5295 Threads: 226

Cool badge!!

Cheers

1976 Ludwig Mach 4 Thermogloss 26-18-14-14sn
1978 Ludwig Stainless 22-22-18-16-14-13-12 c/w 6-8-10-12-13-14-15-16-18-20-22-24 concert toms
1975 Sonor Phonic Centennials Metallic Pewter 22-16-13-12-14sn (D506)
1971 Ludwig Classic Bowling Ball OBP 22-16-14-13
1960's Stewart Peacock Pearl 20-16-12-14sn
1980`s Ludwig Coliseum Piano Black 8x14 snare
1973 Rogers Superten 5x14 & 6.5x14 COS snares
1970`s John Grey Capri Aquamarine Sparkle 5x14 snare
1941 Ludwig & Ludwig Super 8x14 snare
Posted on 8 years ago
#5
Posts: 188 Threads: 53

Well, everyone, I tried putting the Remo pre-international head on it today and it does NOT fit. DOH

Since the shell is 19-1/4" and the head is 19-5/8", it's about 3/8" too big (duh). I was just really hoping I could make it work somehow! Falling Do

This leads me to another question -

Is there any way to shrink a plastic drumhead slightly? I read a few mentions of using heat (a blow dryer perhaps?) to shrink drumheads online. Has anyone tried this?

Posted on 8 years ago
#6
Posts: 2713 Threads: 555

Another way is to custom tuck a calfhide head. I've done this with an odd-size (25") bass drum.

Posted on 8 years ago
#7
Posts: 545 Threads: 67

I'm sorry for you you spent a lot of money on a head that does not fit.

Check the website of ST-drums in gemany, they sell many strange sized heads.

Vintage and custom drum projects:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php...2305272732%3A6
Posted on 8 years ago
#8
Posts: 188 Threads: 53

From Kona

Another way is to custom tuck a calfhide head. I've done this with an odd-size (25") bass drum.

Yes, I'll definitely do this if I can't get any sort of modern head to fit. Yes Sir

Posted on 8 years ago
#9
Posts: 2023 Threads: 47

Yesterday I looked at this drum and didn't think much of it but now I am in love with it. If the casings can't be brought back to luster, I'd just dust it off and leave it at that. Except the hoops of course, you have the other hoop? ...and it'd be nice to address the rust on the brackets without shining them up. Either way, very nice!

Mitch

Posted on 8 years ago
#10
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