[gurlzdrumhard]

has anyone out there tried to refinish a drumset??? in addition to my mapex kit, i have an older cheapo (basix brand) set that i got 6 years ago as a beginners kit. it's a 5-piece custom elite. the hardware is horrid, but the drums are 100% birch with a matching wood snare. the lugs, etc are also on the cheap side. do you think it would be worth it to completely re-do this kit? basically toss everything but the shells. is it possible to even put new lugs on?? the finish now is called tobacco fade. it's ok, but too orange for me. since i'm also an artist i thought i could paint something custom on the shells. they are sound--no cracks, decent bearing edges. what do you think?????

[JJ kay slay]

you should replace lugs and hardware on it and get a new finish.

then see what you can do about the bearing edges.

and youve got yourself a new/mid custom drumset =]

and you can even sell it and make yourself some nice $$$

[Church Drummer]

Sounds like a worthwhile do it yourself project to me. If the shells are solid Birch, a finish facelift, as well as some new hardware ought to make for a pretty decent kit that you can be proud of that you did it yourself. I would give it a go.

[david_remillard]

If the kit has sentimental value to you, go for it. Yes. Lugs are replaceable. I've been playing for 20 years +, my first set was a 68 Ludwig 7 pc. I refinished it (took off the wraps and stained and lacquered the shells. Got new hardware from lugs on down). I ended up selling it in order to help pay for a new Mapex kit. I kind of regret it now, but I made a profit of 1,000 off of it. It does take time and patience to refinish an entire set.

	Mapex Drums Shop for Mapex Drums at Musician's Friend

	Ludwig Drums Shop for Ludwig Drums at Musician's Friend

[david_remillard]

Yes it's worth it, but it takes time and patience.

[andrewsmsn1]

It will be a lot of work and you might not be happy with the end results. That said, it might be fun and you'll end up with something unique.

Since the kit already has a laqueur finish, you'll probably want to replace it with another laqueur finish or some kind of oil. Something like poly might change the sound.

[HBdrummer1]

Just another option for refinishing those drums... To support my drumming addiction my real job is as a graphic print technician. I have been looking for a cheap used set to try this on and you may be able to do it too. Wrap them with Vinyl... just like a car wrap. Use 3M premium cast vinyl sized and printed with any art or graphic your imagination can conjure up covered with a satin lamination. Any automotive or other graphics establishment can print and laminate them for you to size, then just remove the hardware, clean them and apply the vinyl. If you ever get sick of the finish you can remove it. Pricing would vary by how many sq feet of vinyl is needed and whether you furnish the artwork or if they design it for you.... The possibilities are endless as to what can be done.