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Do You Trust L Arms?? Last viewed: 4 hours ago

Posts: 802 Threads: 149

So, I'm very close to finishing the restore of my 60s Round Badge Gretsch Set.

In the past I have NEVER used "L Arms" for my expensive 1960s Crash Ride because I dont trust them to stay in place. I crash my ride alot and I'm always afraid of the L screw loosening and the L arm falling down, making the cymbal crash into the side of the bass drum causing who knows how much damage.

Now, the old Rodgers mount, with the collet, that "grabbed" the arm was great. I had one of those mounted on a cheap MIJ set and that was solid as a rock.

My Gretsch has the 1960s diamond bracket on the bass drum for the "L" rod.

Would anyone have suggestions about how to mount a ride on my bass drum securely, without drilling any holes or anything like that?

All suggestions appreciated!!

Posted on 13 years ago
#1
Posts: 2197 Threads: 202

I think this subject has been discussed before-I would fabricate a memory lock or a pair for either side of the L-arm to take the majority of the weight and stress off the t-screw.I would never trust just that little t-screw,they wouldn't hold my spurs or floor tom legs for sh*t.....

Posted on 13 years ago
#2
Posts: 802 Threads: 149

So, you mean add something to the arm base so that it could not fall over, and if the T screw came loose, the arm would rest on the bass drum? Not a bad idea. Any ideas what that would look like?

Posted on 13 years ago
#3
Posts: 1273 Threads: 22

Vintage or not, I personally would never again use one. Don't like the idea of a cymbal mounted to my BD. I use a heavy Z Rock 21 and can't imagine an arm capable of holding it up. I also like my ride a little further right than an L-arm would allow (especially if it had to be at a wayward angle). They look great for a vintage kit in a museum. Just my opinion. Maybe okay for a thin, older ride.

B

Vintage Drum Fan (Not a Guru)
Posted on 13 years ago
#4
Posts: 2197 Threads: 202

A regular 9.5 mm tom arm memory lock adapted/filed to rest against the chrome base of the diamond mount.

Posted on 13 years ago
#5
Posts: 802 Threads: 149

Wish i knew what that would look like....

Posted on 13 years ago
#6
Posts: 5176 Threads: 188

Memory locks are a great idea, but I've never had a problem with L-arms.

"God is dead." -Nietzsche

"Nietzsche is dead." -God
Posted on 13 years ago
#7
Posts: 53 Threads: 7

This is the best solution I've seen to secure your L arm 100%, without drilling.

Posted on 13 years ago
#8
Posts: 2197 Threads: 202

Oh yes!That takes the strain from the little receiver and distributes it to a metal bass hoop.Excellent invention!

Posted on 13 years ago
#9
Posts: 917 Threads: 39

I never liked the thought of spindly 'L-arms" holding anything...but that was before I used them.

Now days however I've been surprised how reliable they are. I also like the fact they give a little versus being so rigid the shell takes all the shock load.

I had to apply some extra torque on my bass mounted L-arm for my ride, but it hasn't tried to slip yet!

Posted on 13 years ago
#10
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