Drummer Cafe Community Forum

I have several holes in the shell of a Rogers Bass drum.  Four were for a clamp that held the hihat, it was a double bass kit, and two I drilled for a cymbal mount.  All the holes are in the same area of the drum, between the same set of lugs almost at the top of the drum not covered by the toms.  I've removed those pieces of hardware because I don't use them anymore, but now I have the holes.  Short of recovering the drum what has anyone done to repair or cover holes?  When the set is up they aren't very noticable, but I'd rather not have them showing at all.

I've "lived" with the holes for a long time and can continue to do so, but though I'd put the question out here.  

If they're not very big, you could just fill them with some short bolts.  Anothe possibility would be to use a metal plate or a piece of wood finished to match the drums.

The favored method for filling holes prior to recovering is to use maple doweling cut off flush and sanded smooth.  You could also do this, and apply a small amount of paint to camouflage them further.

+1

To add a little opinion to the mix, I find that if you aren't going to patch the wrap or refinish, then carriage bolts look best  (they're the kind with the shallow dome top and no slots).   It just adds a little more chrome to the drum :)