This project started with a 16″x16″ floor tom. It was a Mapex Pro-M drum, so a very decent one. The interior of the shell was in immaculate state and the bearing edges were perfect, so it was time for a conversion of this nice drum.
As always, the first thing that I did was removing all the hardware and wraping. I softened the glue with a hair-dryer and the wrap came out very easily.
Luckily, the wrap was glued only along a very narrow band. Under it, a very nice “Natural Gloss” finish appeared.
I plugged the holes using wooden dowels, cut them to level once the glue dried and sanded.
Because the original finish was slightly damaged around the vent hole, I decided to completely remove it, so I deeply sanded the shell using progresive grits (40, 80, 120 and 180).
I then sanded the new veneer using 180 grit and applied several coats of wax.
I drilled the shell to accommodate the new Mapex tubular-style lugs.
I bought a couple of wooden hoops from Thomann, cut some felt pieces so the claws do not damage them and also made some leather gaskets to protect the shell from the lugs.
I also got two goat-skin heads from Baena Sonido.
This is how it looks once finished.
Now I own a fantastic tenor drum that I can use in the symphonic and operatic repertoire.
…et in Arcadia ego.
© David Valdés