Well,
Not too long ago I was able to grab a solid shell Artist in eBay for a very reasonable sum (under $200). I used to have this drum and wanted to have it back really bad, so I was in great shape! Or was I...?
What happens is that this "new" drum does have a great amount of crack and volume (which the other one seemed to lack at times), but I cannot seem to find the great body and warmth the other one had... I DID have a PowerStroke 3 and Canopus bronze wires on the OLD one (my favorite combination - I know some people diss the PS3, but I hit quite hard, so I like my snare heads to have some meat...). I haven't changed the head on the new one yet (I'm currently using an Evans ST Dry) - the heavy head may do part of the trick...
However, what REALLY bothers me is that there seems to be a bit of a problem with the snares. The previous owner replaced the zoomatic assembly (nice, but usually problem-prone) with a Ludwig P-83 assembly (time-proven, simple & reliable). I was pretty sure it would work to my advantage (after all, I'm NOT a collector, and I HATE having to deal with troublesome strainers). Thing is, the zoomatic assembly has kind of a semi-extended butt end which affects the angle of the snares:
My old snare had it and the snares responded great. This one doesn't and I kind of have trouble adjusting the snares to my liking (almost loose, but with no rattle). Also, the beds seem to be a little out of alignment with the strainer assembly. I'm not sure if this has anything to do with what I'm experiencing, but it's the only thing I can think of that would have an effect on the drum's sound.
I'm posting this here because it's the only place I think I can actually find someone that could give me an answer. I'm crossing my fingers that I don't have a "lemon" drum (which could occur, given the drum's age)...
Blessings & Joy to All
