HELP!! pearl free floater damage. what to do?

unscathed

Junior Member
so I bought a free floater (3.5 x 14 maple) off ebay, it is the older style free floater with the snares that extend past the bottom head (which I prefer). the drum was in immaculate condition except for the snare tension knob/bolt on the side opposite the throw off switch. I loosened it enough to take the plate off, and the bottom portion of the knob, which is basically a threaded bolt, was bent at an angle. there is no way to get it out of the snare cage! the only thing I could think of doing is getting someone to saw thru the tension knob, which MAYBE would let it out, but even if it worked, how could I even find a new one to replace it? I'm pretty sure pearl doesn't make replacement parts for their older ff frames. what do you think; return it or see what I can do? any ideas??
 
so I bought a free floater (3.5 x 14 maple) off ebay, it is the older style free floater with the snares that extend past the bottom head (which I prefer). the drum was in immaculate condition except for the snare tension knob/bolt on the side opposite the throw off switch. I loosened it enough to take the plate off, and the bottom portion of the knob, which is basically a threaded bolt, was bent at an angle. there is no way to get it out of the snare cage! the only thing I could think of doing is getting someone to saw thru the tension knob, which MAYBE would let it out, but even if it worked, how could I even find a new one to replace it? I'm pretty sure pearl doesn't make replacement parts for their older ff frames. what do you think; return it or see what I can do? any ideas??
Great drum choice BTW. A few options; If the fault wasn't described, then you should be able to arrange a return. Outside of that, it's worth checking if that screw is available. Don't dismiss that option. If you didn't pay that much for the drum, negotiate a part refund on the drum as it was sold without damage being described, then go buy another (maybe a brass shell) and use one as spares, plus you have two shell options.

p.s, 16" wire model is certainly the best choice.
 
so I bought a free floater (3.5 x 14 maple) off ebay, it is the older style free floater with the snares that extend past the bottom head (which I prefer). the drum was in immaculate condition except for the snare tension knob/bolt on the side opposite the throw off switch. I loosened it enough to take the plate off, and the bottom portion of the knob, which is basically a threaded bolt, was bent at an angle. there is no way to get it out of the snare cage! the only thing I could think of doing is getting someone to saw thru the tension knob, which MAYBE would let it out, but even if it worked, how could I even find a new one to replace it? I'm pretty sure pearl doesn't make replacement parts for their older ff frames. what do you think; return it or see what I can do? any ideas??



Do you really need to take it out?

It probably took a fall on that side of the drum, bent the tensioner knob. You could try to bend it back, maybe with a rubber mallet.
 
I bought an old model from ebay and I too am having problems with the screws underneath loosening... but isnt yours scewed right into the sides both the throw-off and butt plate with adjustment...mine has 2 phillips on both sides ..they too get loose on me...love the sound of it and the options but had to use my back up snare Sat. night at a gig due to problems with it..I would send it back though first!
 
Back
Top