Welcome to the forum, Ludwig's warranty is for five years is that correct? I've forgotten myself, anyway back in the time frame of your kit is when Delmar the company that makes the wrap, changed the plastic enough that they would only warranty the wrap if 3m glue was used no other brand. you can and I would contact ludwig and ask them what can be done?.

Ludwig's warranty on the drums is one year, not five. They most likely won't do a thing for you, since that kit was made for the 90th anniversary of Ludwig 11 years ago. The problem with the wrap is two-fold. Ludwig didn't glue the wrap all the way around the shell back in the mid-1990's-mid-2000's, they used the tape at the seam method preferred by a lot of other manufacturers. Because they did this, when the wrap is exposed to extreme temperature changes, it splits like that. Not much you can do except strip the drums down to the bare shells, buy replacement wrap, and re-wrap using the glue method.

Now that we know why it developed the split from the manufacturing side of things, lets examine why they split period. Leaving the drums inside a hot car for a long period of time, then bringing them into an air conditioned club repeatedly can cause it, same for the other extreme. Leaving them in cold storage and then re-introducing them to a heated environment can do the same thing. The wrap is supposed to shrink and expand on a gradual rate, this is normal. But when you go from one temperature extreme to another, it reacts too quickly and then BANG! (ok, maybe not bang..LoLoLoLo) The wrap starts to split. Once it starts, there's pretty much nothing that can be done to stop it. It will eventually get worse. The only fix is replacement of the wrap with new wrap.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but I'm speaking from experience on this one. Even if it happened during the warranty period, Ludwig would probably fight you on it anyway citing "owner miss-use or neglect".......been there, done that.

drumbar!...

I just wanted to mention that you are slightly in error... actually more than slightly... LOL!! Having nothing to do with your wrap problem.. ( although that is painful, and something almost everyone has experienced with some of their drums ) .. this forum/site...

... was NEVER Harry's. You are thinking of the old DCI Drum Forum which WAS Harry Cangany's until he had had enough of the day to day bickering and bull****, so he bailed and that became drumforum.com. THIS forum has always been owned by, and under the control of, our most esteemed Webmaster, David Anfuso. I am the Moderator, Tommyp. So there's the real story! Anyway,

Nice to have you here, and enjoy your stay!

Tommyp

drumbar,

You may have a moisture issue, as I see what looks like rust on the tension rod?

+1 on what L-Dude says. Extreme temperature differences can cause wrap issues fast.

Did you really just say that? Dang, you guys are SO harsh to the newbies.

I wouldn't call it harsh....its just the reality of it. The drums are 11 years old now and Ludwig won't do a thing for him, sorry, but that's the way it is, that's life. And judging by the limited pics we have of the drums, they look to have led a hard 11 year life of gigging.

Me personally, if they were my drums, I'd face facts, bite the bullet, and I'd order up some 60's black oyster from precision and some 3m contact cement and have at restoring them to their former glory.

Laughing H That can be taken the wrong way I guess, thanks Mike.....I am humbled and laughing at the same time.

I think we all forget just how painfully embarrassing moisture issues can be. It's a tough subject to talk about as no one really wants to admit having wet undies. Oh sure, the young ones don't think about it yet because they have years to play. But, us grizzled and well seasoned drummers know all to well the damage it can cause if left unchecked. I myself have gone through two throne covers over the course of nine months. It's something we all have to face eventually. By slamming a newbie with this obvious reality, we only bring ourselves up by stepping on another. If we look upon others with honesty and grace, this will strengthen the brotherhood of artists. So, play true, groove strong, and stay dry.

Thank you Mcjnic...I may have just wet myself...!