You can try that, but use a hair drier, not any kind of torch or heat gun. This stuff was used on early space missions. It can't be easily re-formed. Not sure how you will get it back in place, but it does appear that you will need oversized heads to prevent this going forward. Perhaps Aquarian American Vintage will fit. They are slightly oversized for this type of application.

jim

IF I had the money, I would immediately offer to buy 4 replacement kits, of dubious quality, and get those drums out of there. They are highly collectible and with the "'tude" of today's student, I would not feel at all comfortable leaving them in a middle school. Today's student does not have the reverence we did 40 years ago for public property. If the nasty little bully found out they were worth serious bucks, he would either steal them or trash them, just because he could.

Man, if I had that opportunity, I would gladly get them out before they get destroyed. Schools are some of the worst environments for classic, vintage drums. Get them out. I will build you 2 replacement kits that will stand up to kids. But seriously, leaving them there and some bully finding out they are worth big money is a disaster waiting to happen.

I must agree...I cringe at the thought of those drums in a middle school environment.

I totally agree with everyone else here. No offense to the kids but those beautiful drums do not belong in a school. My guitar player is a high school music teacher and the stuff that happens to the schools instruments is frightning! Thank god they only have low end stuff that is not worth much.

All it takes is one kid to get annoyed that the toms don't adjust they way they think it should go and then damage happens. There are so many nice sounding lower end kits that are affordable, look and sound good that it only makes sense to take such a rare set away from there. Just my thought.

I really appreciate everyone's concerns. Since they were donated to the school and the original owner was probably unaware of the collectability and value of the drum set, it would only be fair to notify the owner to update them on the situation. Remember the assistant music director's husband was the person that donated the set. It would really be a bad situation if the set was sold by the district.

With that said, the set has survived in this environment for some time. The faculty is now aware of the value and they are going to take measures to ensure they are respected and secure. What better way to teach "today's students" about respecting their instruments. The students don't need to know the actual value of this set, they just need to be taught that musical instruments and other peoples property, in general, deserve respect. Also that not everything is "throw-away".

I've owned the same restored classic car for over 23 years. I was taught to respect value of the car. I'm also not afraid to drive the car in fear of getting a stone chip on the paint. I feel, the car was meant to be driven and not locked up in a garage or trailered to a car show. Just like these drums were meant to be played.

Yes, these drums are collectable.

Yes, these drums are valuable.

But, they still are capable for teaching. Imagine how many 7th/8th grade music students could be inspired by that "Great Gretsch Sound", which could lead to careers in music or the next great jazz drummer. All because these drums were available at a small Middle School in Ohio.

Again, thank you for all of the comments.

Thanks,

Tim

While I agree that the kit has the potential to be trashed, I also agree with your thoughts that educating the students can go a long way to preserving these wonderful drums. This should be a kit that stays "in house" only and never being transported to any events where rough handling would most likely take place. Let's face it, 50's and 60's era drums (actually more the hardware than anything) can't stand up to the bashing of today's players. Keep us posted as to what happens!

Yes, these drums would stay "in house". They would mostly be moved from the band room to the stage during concerts and back. The High School has a decent Pearl Forum set that gets moved around when necessary.

- Tim

The horror stories my son told me about the kit at his school. He told me the heads had holes and tears in them. That they were out of tune and while the drummers at school did some of the damage and did not care for them properly, the set was accessible to any student who wondered in and wanted to play them. I remember in my middle school we were not allowed on the kit unless stage band was in session or we had the instructors permission. However I feel strongly that respect for anyones property begins at home. Wait, I'd better stop there. I don't want to get into a debate.

Just wait until that one, "cool" kid joins the band. You know the one..."the rebel" who thinks he's waaaay above being in the school's "dumb" band and is doing everyone a favor just to be there....? Yeah, that kid. It just takes one kid to pry off the badges or change the rims out for his Pearl Forum's rims...etc.

I'd try and make a deal to get that kit, myself....but, then, I'm a heartless, greedy, money-grubbing collector who would just flip it for ten times what I paid for it! ;) Ironic? yes.....*sigh*

:Santa:DOHParty

Those are really cool drums. I wish I knew what wrap mine had before the previous owner refinished them to an orangy natural wood finish. Maybe mine were burgundy sparkle.