Loopagator
Junior Member
Thanks for your update, Z. No need to apologise. We all seem to have differing experiences with drum manufacturers. See my pics below for explanation of the essential problem. And Ludwig's response - they are obviously aware.
My 20x16 has been back in its box since my last post. The Australian distributor is absolutely livid. They are pushing for a replacement drum. However, my drum repairer and I are concerned that a replacement Maple Classic will yield the same result - lack of clearance to suit head to shell contact and undersized hoops. So, I've requested a Legacy shell replacement. The 'vintage' roundover edge is designed to nestle into the inside edge of the head. I have a Legacy snare which proves the effectiveness of this design. An amazing drum.
Re: my 18x14
I have had the hoops notched. My Remo heads definitely tune better. I have also installed a Gibraltar bass drum lift and I'm getting a much more punchy and round timbre - certainly more than a Jazz bass drum sound. However, the Remos still don't sit flush on the bearing edges! It's a trade off. I could go further and get the roundover bearing edge cut to accommodate the inside edge of the drum head much better, but I am happy with the sound and response at present.
Re: 22x16
The edges are not as glaringly bad as the 18 or 20, but the hoops still show a 2mm gap between head hoop and bass drum hoop. I am also pushing for reimbursement (or credit on the Legacy) to get mods done here. I am using a coated Emperor, which is working well tuned low and flat, but not great tuned higher (maybe that 'pong' sound you mentioned).
It would be worth lobbying your drum retailer about this to put some heat on Ludwig. They could at least offer two types of hoops, or even alternative bearing edges!! The shells are still going to sound awesome. Consumers can't be expected to shell out more cash, just so they can tune and use the drum they way we all expect to!
My 20x16 has been back in its box since my last post. The Australian distributor is absolutely livid. They are pushing for a replacement drum. However, my drum repairer and I are concerned that a replacement Maple Classic will yield the same result - lack of clearance to suit head to shell contact and undersized hoops. So, I've requested a Legacy shell replacement. The 'vintage' roundover edge is designed to nestle into the inside edge of the head. I have a Legacy snare which proves the effectiveness of this design. An amazing drum.
Re: my 18x14
I have had the hoops notched. My Remo heads definitely tune better. I have also installed a Gibraltar bass drum lift and I'm getting a much more punchy and round timbre - certainly more than a Jazz bass drum sound. However, the Remos still don't sit flush on the bearing edges! It's a trade off. I could go further and get the roundover bearing edge cut to accommodate the inside edge of the drum head much better, but I am happy with the sound and response at present.
Re: 22x16
The edges are not as glaringly bad as the 18 or 20, but the hoops still show a 2mm gap between head hoop and bass drum hoop. I am also pushing for reimbursement (or credit on the Legacy) to get mods done here. I am using a coated Emperor, which is working well tuned low and flat, but not great tuned higher (maybe that 'pong' sound you mentioned).
It would be worth lobbying your drum retailer about this to put some heat on Ludwig. They could at least offer two types of hoops, or even alternative bearing edges!! The shells are still going to sound awesome. Consumers can't be expected to shell out more cash, just so they can tune and use the drum they way we all expect to!