[nightcrawler_steve]

Hawk,

Im just curious......

Do you think its possible the plies are thicker? It would seem they would have to be. I did some quick conversions by what you posted. I didnt fact check Keller shell thickness. I think you are right about the Keller 6 ply shell thickness as I recall from checking with various custom builders.

Keller 6ply @ 3/16 = 0.187 in and 4.75 mm

By your proposal a 3ply @ 3/32 = 0.09 in and 2.28 mm

That would seem to pose a strength issue dont you think?

By the same token, the new kit I just ordered has 4 ply (non-Keller shells) Their thickness 4ply @ 6 mm = 0.236 in Therefore, even slightly thicker than a 6 ply shell.

I am comparing different shells made by different companies. So maybe that is not such a good comparison. I would think the plies must be thicker. Less plies combined with a thicker ply means less glue and more wood. Wouldnt that mean more resonance? Sounds like another "hype" issue the drum comanies are trying to sell us on to me.

Thoughts?

[mjb]

[Hawk]

hardhitter wrote about the three ply, I haven't heard anything about it nor is there any mention of it on their site.

Yeah, the individual ply would have to be thicker than 1/32" or there would be some structural problems. Perhaps it is the series they call "vintage" like the old Ludwig 3 ply shells. I know Pearl drums have thicker ply.

I don't buy that "glue" thing. Cross laminating will make more of a difference. So will re-inforcement rings.

What kit did you get ?

I'm sure the Keller size is correct : 6 ply = 3/16".

EDIT : I checked, their vintage series uses maple and poplar (like old Ludwigs) but they are 6 ply shells. BTW Ludwig used to use maple on the inside, poplar in the middle ply, and mahogany on the outer ply. With the wrap glued over that.
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[Hawk]

[DrumAndDestroy]

[hardhitter]

Hawk, Yes the ply's would have to be thicker. I'm not sure the glue is added to thickness of the ply. Reinforcement rings would be a must! Keller will make anything you ask them to.

I do know that there 5 ply is 0.13 inch (3.3 mm) thick. That's what I'm getting. I'm thinking thats really close to the older DW's that used the 3 ply keller shells.
nightcrawler_steve didn't you say you have the older DW's with the 3ply Keller shells?
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Drums don't make a good drummer. Technique and pratice do!

[nightcrawler_steve]

[hardhitter]

Thanks, The PDP's are ok. I had to send 2 of shells back. The bearing edges where bad. I just got that kit so I didn't have to take my Yamaha's out to bars. I had a set of Tircks but I really didn't like them.

I go on Drumsmith.com all the time. That's how I got the idea. Some one on Drummerworld I think it was dogbreath told me about the forum. Really good info.


Odery, who sells them in the U.S? They are some of the best looking drums I have seen!
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Drums don't make a good drummer. Technique and pratice do!

[nightcrawler_steve]

Hardhitter,

That sucks about the PDPs.

I only know of two US distributors. They are not widely known in the US.

http://www.bentleysdrumshop.com/drums.html

http://www.drumauthority.com/

I am trying to get them hooked up with my friends shop in MD, but they are waiting till the kit gets here so they can give it the "once over".

I really like the drumsmith site. So what are ya thinkin for the build? Maybe we can compare notes. Im not nearly brave enough to tackle a whole kit. Im a decent woodworker, but still. A snare is a good start. If I screw it up, then its not that big of a deal. Maybe Ill have the ugliest, best sounding drum in central PA - ha ha ha ha!

Im really excited to see what Hawk has going on.

~Steve

[Jared Michaels]

I think that all of the brands named are great,but I will always stick with Tama drums. I think they are the best for what I do!