Those are callled "bridges" on either side. I say build the drum however you like too. That's a very nice shell.

A bridge!!!

Thank you sir. :D

I guess my thought here is:

Does the vintage collector community frown on using vintage parts on a new drum?

Does the vintage collector community frown on people making reproductions of old drums?

Obviously the shell is not a vintage RK shell.

There are a few different Beavertail lugs on the market right now.

No one makes the throwoff with the "bridge" like the old RK though as far as I can find so far.

I just thought it might be a cool way to make a different drum out of this thing. Storm Trooper

The guides you are are referring to, I believe, are called bridges. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong. My suggestion would be to go with the modern knock-off and a standard butt. The reason being, setting up the bridges properly would be a bit tricky. I have no experience with the Radio King arrangement, but I have set up a maple shell with the Ludwig Classic strainer/butt arrangement. Because your wire-set extends beyond the shell, the position of the strainer/butt is critical for proper snare response. Otherwise, poor response and wire buzz will be the result. My approach was to "slot" the mounting holes and move the strainer & butt up and down until I achieved the proper response. In the end, I'm not sure the perceived benefits of an extended snare wire setup is worth the trouble. Others may have differing opinions about that, though.

I can get this throwoff

And this buttplate.

They are cheap and look the part pretty well.

They just don't have the "bridge".

Ron_M is correct. Exact placement of the strainer and extended snare brackets (aka bridges) is important for good snare response.

Are you still thinking of tackling the brackets? The only place I know of to get these parts (aside from classifieds) would be e-bay, and they're not cheap:

[COLOR="Blue"]Completed Listings[/COLOR]

BTW, Nice polish job on that trick strainer.

Not all Radio King Models had the bridges so they aren't a "must" for the RK look.

I built a drum out of a vintage Slingerland bronze drum shell along the same lines as what you're thinking about doing. It turned out very nicely.

Use the same strainer you see on K.O.'s drum! Those three point strainers work well and they have that great 'vintage' look. I think DrumsandSome had them for sale if memory serves.

Beautiful shell! Great job on that.

John

Those parts are available as reproductions,as well as the lugs,as well as bealertail and streamline lugs like K.O. has.I think the bridges are also available as repros,but I'm not totally sure.You don't really need them to make a great sounding snare though.Just set it up like Purdie or K.O. did.You can even find double flange hoops,but the triple flange stick savers won't chop up your sticks ,and IMHO,are better for rim shots.Have fun,and pics when it's done.

Steve B