Opinion:
Yamaha does not offer a lot of size variations in their Tour Custom line, so what are the thoughts of taking a Stage Custom kit and swapping out the shells with 100% maple? How? Purchasing non-Yamaha shells that are pre-drilled for the Yamaha lugs, vents, floor tom brackets, etc, then installing the hardware from the Stage Customs to the new shells. A Frankenha kit, so to speak. Blasphemy, I know.
You could say - why not just buy a set of Absolutes? Well, because they're hybrid shells, as are the PHX line, both of which are very pricey and I want all maple shells. I would've bought Tour Custom but again - limited size variations. Tragically, I sold my old Maple Customs (1995 set) last year because I didn't want to use power toms and didn't want to have them cut, but I have to say that they were the best sounding drums I've even owned. I love Yamaha hardware better than pretty much anyone else's because not only is it durable, it's not chrome so it's easy to keep clean and no pitting.
Upon some research, I was able to price out a set of Keller 10-ply shells for 13x9, 16x16, 18x18, and 22 x 20 for about $839 with bearing edges cut. Drilling for my hardware is $6.00 per lug, $60 for spurs, and $50 per floor for leg brackets. This doesn't count vent holes or finishing, but all said it would be around $1300 for a shell swap not counting finish, which I might just go with a clear poly coat or an alcohol based stain then coat. By the way, I swapped the 1.6mm hoops on my Stage Customs with 3mm hoops.
Alternatively, I could just buy another kit, but we all know ANYTHING new in the above sizes would be pricey for anything decent, i.e. DW, Ludwig, Pearl, etc. I sent a quote request to Noble & Cooley over the weekend, but no response just yet.
SO, any thoughts? Is the shell swap a dumb idea?
Yamaha does not offer a lot of size variations in their Tour Custom line, so what are the thoughts of taking a Stage Custom kit and swapping out the shells with 100% maple? How? Purchasing non-Yamaha shells that are pre-drilled for the Yamaha lugs, vents, floor tom brackets, etc, then installing the hardware from the Stage Customs to the new shells. A Frankenha kit, so to speak. Blasphemy, I know.
You could say - why not just buy a set of Absolutes? Well, because they're hybrid shells, as are the PHX line, both of which are very pricey and I want all maple shells. I would've bought Tour Custom but again - limited size variations. Tragically, I sold my old Maple Customs (1995 set) last year because I didn't want to use power toms and didn't want to have them cut, but I have to say that they were the best sounding drums I've even owned. I love Yamaha hardware better than pretty much anyone else's because not only is it durable, it's not chrome so it's easy to keep clean and no pitting.
Upon some research, I was able to price out a set of Keller 10-ply shells for 13x9, 16x16, 18x18, and 22 x 20 for about $839 with bearing edges cut. Drilling for my hardware is $6.00 per lug, $60 for spurs, and $50 per floor for leg brackets. This doesn't count vent holes or finishing, but all said it would be around $1300 for a shell swap not counting finish, which I might just go with a clear poly coat or an alcohol based stain then coat. By the way, I swapped the 1.6mm hoops on my Stage Customs with 3mm hoops.
Alternatively, I could just buy another kit, but we all know ANYTHING new in the above sizes would be pricey for anything decent, i.e. DW, Ludwig, Pearl, etc. I sent a quote request to Noble & Cooley over the weekend, but no response just yet.
SO, any thoughts? Is the shell swap a dumb idea?