I'd been working on refurbishing my old snare drum recently. Here's a shot of the finished product.

The shell is from a vintage Duplex Tonecraft (Rogers) snare, from the 60's. I first acquired it in the late 80's at a flea market for $10.

Back then it was in blue sparkle wrap. The original hardware was in sad shape, the chrome pitted and peeling and with rust setting in. In the early 90's I stripped the original wrap and replaced it with piano black. I also replaced the original lugs with the old "Pearl style" ones and sharpened the bearing edges. I also added a layer of satin polyurethane to the interior to help the shell project more.

Now for its second refurbishment, I've restripped the shell and sealed it with clear polyurethane. I've also replaced ALL the hardware this time, with newer Pearl "bridge" lugs and a modern throw off from Drum Foundry. I've also added a larger vent and custom Purecussion snares. This drum just plain sings now! I could not be happier with it.

To add to its personal historical and sentimental value, the rims it uses are now from my very first student snare drum from some 28 years ago. My drum teacher, Mrs. Horst, engraved our names on them so we students could tell them all apart. I'm flooded with memories whenever I remove this drum from its case :)

I've posted some new demo tracks from a group I've recently joined called MayFly & the BlueNotes. We're starting to get some traction and may be playing live in-studio at a local radio station within the next month or two!