Hi.....

I have an older Pearl BLX (birch) kit.  Because I want to convert the 16" floor tom to a bass drum, I'll have to replace it.  I haven't been able to find a 14" x 12" mounted tom on ebay so I'm going to have Precision make one for me (in maple - they can't do birch).

I also have to send them one of my drums so they can get close to the finish.   The current drum is a laquered Sequioa Red finish.

I'm getting it in a 6-ply with no reinforcing rings.  

Since I never had a drum made specifically for me, I'm not sure about what kind of edge I want on it.  These are the options:

- inner 45 degree cut
- double 45 degree (outside & inside) - the edge for their drums
- 30 degree cut

Anyone have experience with the double 45 ?

Should I get it with reinforcing rings?

Should I go with a thicker ply?

Anything else that I should have them do?

Anyone have any idea where I get the longer type of Pearl lugs (they're similiar in style to the Yamaha Recording Series type of lugs)?  I haven't been able to find them at any of the online stores yet.

dc

Id go with whatever matches the edge on your BLXs.   As for plies and rings, Id go with a shell about the same thickness and add reenforcing rings to have to blend it with the birch a little better.  

Birch tends to be drier than maple, with a more focused sound.  Generally speaking, shells with rings are thinner.   By leaving it thicker, youll give it a more birch-like resonance, and adding rings will give it a more focused sound.  

But just talk to the precision guys ... tell 'em what youre after.  If you havent sent it off yet, you may actually want to go elsewhere.   Many custom makers use Eames birch shells so you might be able to get a better match elsewhere.  

And since you have a laquer finish, the grain differences will be noticable as well.