Cover/Plug for Tom Mount on Bass Drum?

[msj67]

Since I hang my rack tom from a mount on a cymbal stand, I don't have much use for the tom mount on my bass drum. I'd like to remove the mount altogether, but don't want to be left with the visible holes in the shell. Just wondering if any has come up with an ingenious method for covering or plugging the holes in the shell? I searched the archives but hadn't seen this covered by anyone. Any ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[Pearl Player]

Since I hang my rack tom from a mount on a cymbal stand, I don't have much use for the tom mount on my bass drum. I'd like to remove the mount altogether, but don't want to be left with the visible holes in the shell. Just wondering if any has come up with an ingenious method for covering or plugging the holes in the shell? I searched the archives but hadn't seen this covered by anyone. Any ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Check with your drum manufacturer. They may have just what you need. Also I have seen some covers on other parts/custom drum sites. You could also make one I guess using some aluminum or polished light gauge steel... Make a gasket and use the removed part as a template on how to drill and cut that piece.

Mike

[harryconway]

Some companies have and/or do produce cover plates that bolt up to the existing flange holes, so you don't have to drill extra holes. You still wind up with a chrome plate on top of the kick drum, but at least it's flat. You could also make a cover plate, if you have the tools and the ambition. Then there's the serious method that involves doweling the smaller bolt holes and cutting a large wood plug for the pipe hole (perhaps best done with a hole saw and an old kick drum shell, to get the shell curve right) and glueing that in place. That involves a re-finish job on the kick, and is a permanent solution.

[Red Hawk]

I was thinking about this the other day too.

I think eventually I want to get a custom piece made out of steel with my name or some sort of logo CNC'd into it, sort of like a big custom drum badge. I also figured it would be a great place to wire up an XLR connection for an internal mic down the road.

[T.Underhill]

Rubber stopper? I dunno, maybe he's po'. I am and I'd use it!

http://www.rubbermill.com/products/stoppers.jpg

[msj67]

Thanks for the replies. I am thinking of a chrome metal plate that fits the hole pattern left behind when the tom mount is removed. Pearl seems to be the only company that makes something like this:

http://www.massmusic.net/shop/?shop=1&cat=953

Seems like something every big drum manufacturer could easily sell as an accessory item.

[dingbat]

Take measurements of the area you want to cover, noting where the existing screw holes are, take this to a plaque/trophy shop that can custom build you a plate to cover the holes, it should not be very expensive.

[rendezvous_drummer]

My Yamaha came with a black plastic lug to fit in. Ask the company.

[Pearl Player]

Take measurements of the area you want to cover, noting where the existing screw holes are, take this to a plaque/trophy shop that can custom build you a plate to cover the holes, it should not be very expensive.

this sounds like a great idea... The only concern I would have is them getting the curve of the shell correctly. Thats why take the removed part with you, That will give them a template to get the curve right. That also helps them if you dont get the measurements exactly right. If its a thick piece its going to be hard to get the correct curve. If they dont get it right, well you may cause the shell to go out of round. This would be the case for any of the ideas. You dont want to be trying to put a flat piece of whatever onto a curved surface. Thats why I suggested trying the drum company first. With thin metal this should not be too much of an issue. Just try to bend it into the currect curve before you get to bolting it on. Please dont use the shell to get that bend by tightening the screws down. Also dont forget some type of gasket. That will help prevent rattles and will also be a bit easier on the finish. Also dont discard the removed parts. You may want to sell the kit and the new owner may want the parts to reinstal.

Mike