So a few months ago, I got an old set of Pearl drums from a buddy of mine. They were sitting around his place not getting used, so they were essentially free. They’re on more or less permanent loan. I expect I’ll just buy them at some point.
Anyhow, they were in crappy shape, but they were something to bang on. I just got the bass drum and a rack tom at first, so I didn’t feel any need to put a whole lot of work into them.
That changed last week. I was helping him clean out his garage in preparation for a big move, and every time I turned around, it was,
"Hmmm…here’s a floor tom for that old set. Why don’t you take this?
“Oh, and here’s the other rack tom!”
“Look! Another floor tom. You’ll need this!”
“Here’s a china cymbal! Oooh, and a splash!”
“Get this heavy ride and snare stand while you’re at it.”
So now I have a set that would make Neil Peart whimper, and I decided to put some TLC into them. Bought a bunch of new heads (Geesh. $$$) and hoops (somebody had mislaid virtually all the resonant hoops), and all kinds of lug hardware, etc.
Been teaching myself how to replace heads and tune drums, and wow, it’s a PITA. I had everything all replaced a week or so ago, and every time I play, I make some kind of tuning adjustment. This tom’s too high. This one’s too floppy. The kick’s too muffled. Now it’s too bright. Now it rings like a damn bell.
When the heck does it ever stop?