Well! I tucked my first set of heads last night. There were a few stressfull moments, but, all in all it went very good. I would highly recommend for anyone to try this.

The shell was three quarters of an inch out of round, so we (my father and myself) built 2 systems to force the shell back into round. First was a turnbuckle system that would pull the shell inward, (forgot to take pics...) and the second was an inner threaded rod system that would push the shell outward. The combination of time, patience, and these two systems brought the shell in a pretty good balance of roundness.

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The heads I used were columbia international 32'', medium thickness, chalk white.

Soaked in water for 20 minutes:

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Tucked:

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Seated:

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Tools of the trade LoLoLoLo

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I gave it a bit of tenion last night, and this morning a gave it a little tap. It sang out with deep thunderous tone. Can't wait to play it.

Process is going very slow, (broke, finally got some gig money to fund the rest of the project) but I set the kick and toms up in may, sounded real neat. Also I've ordered a second hamilton stand from the 20's, took aprox. a month to get here should be here any day. (darn UPS strike) Anyways, they should be done by the end of the summer.

Cheers, happy independance day.

I've been lurking this thread since you started it. Fantastic, great job. I'll bet you're going to be the happiest guy in the planet when you get those finished. Keep the pix coming!

Love this kit, great job!

This is exactly what I have always wanted to do. Firstly because Levon Helm would have to be the biggest influence on my playing. Secondly these type of drums seem fairly common and can be had for cheap, it would be fun piecing the set together from single marching drums. I really like the natural wood finish, unassuming and understated, much like Levon's playing!

congrats.

Thanks! It's a fantastic idea, usually marching drums are mislabled and unwanted, making it fairly easy to find decent deals. Single tension Bass drums and snare drums are the hardest to find. Toms (well, marching snares) are easier. I'm having trouble finding 16'' Ludwig to make a second floor though, a few have slipped away from my grasp....

I have the same opinion of Levon. Can't get enough of the Band!

YES SIR!!!!! Just won a 16'' Ludwg&Ludwig snare from eBay, that will soon become my 2nd floor tom! Here it is!Jump For JoyExcited

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http://cgi.ebay.com/ANTIQUE-1920S-LUDWIG-LUDWIG-MARCHING-SNARE-DRUM-/320726608675?pt=Vintgae_Drums_Percussion&hash=item4aaccbab23

Ebay Description:

You're doing a beautiful job on this project. The bass drum heads look totally pro. Want to see the snare when it's completed--looks like it has some serious snare beds. Thanks for all the photos, & way to go on the new 16...marko

I love the kit! Great job.

I found this page a week or two ago when I was searching information on Levon's old kit - I'm also building a similar set.

I have a 22" 50's WFL kick, WFL marching 13x10 tom, and 14x6 snare (circa 1915). I still need one on the floor.

You actually beat me on the eBay auction for that Ludwig 16 tom!! Clapping Happy2Clapping Happy2....SMALL world. You can imagine my amazment when I saw your recent post!

If someone had to beat me, I'm glad it was you. I'm almost just as excited to see the progress on your sweet set! Keep it up.