I haven't read the other posts, but I would say no to messing with the drum in question. Just save up your money and buy what you really need.

Based upon the snare throw-off in your picture, no snare beds isn't "odd" at all. Especially if it has the matching "butt" (a much larger butt than the standard P32 type, with the ability to adjust wires individually, aka super-sensitive). The idea was that the snare wires extended completely beyond the shell so the beds weren't necessary.

Slingerland did the same thing with their TDR line (no snare beds).

That's a good-looking drum, even faded. PLEASE don't modify it! I've got a 12x15 Ludwig tenor drum available for a trade, if your'e interested. However, it's not silver-sparkle, but red-sparkle/gold-sparkle/red-sparkle, and somebody removed the badge...

If I were you and wanted to use your drum as a tom, I'd just get some sort of rim-mounting system and put it on a stand. I picked up a Club Date set last summer where the guy had added a 10x14 parade drum (same lugs and finish) as an extra tom and mounted it with a Pearl ISS mount w/standard 7/8" arm on a stand. Didn't modify the parade drum at all, matched his set perfectly, and seemed to work fine...

Hey, let us know what you end up doing!

Thanks,

Bill

BTW -- IF you are interested in some sort of trade, I'd leave it as it is...

I do "part out" a LOT of stuff, but NEVER something this good!

I've finished polishing all the hardware, except for the rims...they're killing my fingers.

The drum looks amazing now with a fresh polish on the shell and lugs.

I've cleaned up the tension rods and chased the threads with the correct die.

I'll finish up the cleanup work and put it up for sale/trade when done.

The drum is stout and solid.

Thanks for the clarification re:snare beds, I though all snares had them. You are correct it has the large butt plat on it, however its the earlier 2 bolt butt plate and finding wires is a real PITA.

The butt is the only bad spot on the hardware, its NOT NOB and the chrome is flaking off it :(

I'd trade for 14" floor tom in silver sparkle (lol) or a cymbal of some sort. Old A crash (14-16") or a Paiste 2002 10" Splash...

actually, I'd love an Acrolite in decent (solid) condition.

I don't have an Acrolite. I do have a late 70s Supraphonic (sp?) that I haven't cleaned up yet.

Good thing you put the "lol" on the 14x14. I've got a line on a 14x14 mid 60s blue sparkle FT (probably at least an 8-out-of-10, but haven't got the owner to pull the trigger yet), and you wouldn't believe what someone has already offered me for it!

I've got a couple extra of the butts, but you're right: the snares don't seem to be real easy to find.

It's blasphemy if you talk about it.

It's sacrilege if you actually do it.

dont mess with the drum you will be sorry down the road . just get your self a floor tom cradle it works well , my buddy has that set up right now with a modern premier marching snare it works well .

Don't go Changing, I love you just the way you are (Billy Joel)

Bill, whats the scoop on that supra?

I'd be interested if you are...