i just acquired some old drums from a friend of mine. and this is my first set. and it seems the wood is kinda dry, like what should i do to like help that out. cause i am assuming it is bad, what should i do to take care of the shells. thank you
I dont know about taking care of the wood, but you should think about getting new heads, cuz I've got old drums and they sounded pretty @$%# new when I put on the new heads...
treat 'em just like furniture. if the insides of the shells are bare (not painted etc) then a simple wood conditioner will help get the wood healthy again. after that you can do a protective coat on the inside, like a polyurethane. you can laquer or paint the inside if youd like but that can effect the sound. if its not done already i wouldnt bother.
if the outsides arent laquered or wrapped then youll want to condition them as well. youll definitely want to protect the outside of the shell and i recommend a laquer there. if they are wrapped, just make sure its all glued down :)
have fun with 'em ;D