Re-issued Vistalite
Ludwig reintroduced Vistalite drums in 2001, with the prime seller being a replica of the amber five piece kit played by John Bonham. The re-issue shells are slightly thicker and in the opinions of some warmer sounding and more resonant than the originals. The original shells were at a supposed disadvantange due to a noncontinuous bearing edge. The new versions have a continuous 45 degree edge, making what some feel is a fuller, cleaner tone. Both original and re-issue Vistalites benefit from the fact there are a wider variety of drumheads today which bring out a broader range of sounds from acrylic drums. Some of these modern drumheads help foster a more natural sounding midrange, and thus a more recordable and versatile tonality.
In 2006, a multitude of drum companies like SONOR (X-Ray), Tama (Starclassic Mirage), RCI International (Starlite), Fibes (Crystalite), ddrum (Diode and Diaton), Zickos and Peace (Echoplasm), Kirchhoff Schlagwerk (Arctic series) now make acrylic drums thanks to an increase in popularity since 2001. Custom drum companies have also seen growth in demand.
Gold n Times acrylic shells are thicker and stronger than 70's vistalites, but are glued and tabbed in the same manner. They are supplied to Ludwig, Tama, and custom drum makers. They are approximately .220 (6mm) thick. Acrylic shells can be glued with adhesives like cyanocrylates. Modern adhesives are improved over those available in the 1970s. Friday November 20, 2009 Ray Ducoat, the company owner died. Gold n Times ceased production.
RCI Starlight acrylic shells are "welded" at the seam, not tabbed. They are sold to drum parts and custom resellers under the title "Aqua bomb acrylic shells." ("Atomic bomb" outside of North America.) According to RCI-Starlight international, claims vibration characteristics of their shells were tested and are superior to glued and tabbed shells. Like the vistalite, they are factory-equipped with a 45 degree bearing edge. Many of the designs are made to replicate original vistalite colors and patterns.
Acrylic shells are welded by applying solvents like di/trichloretheleye to the ends of the acrylic sheet. The sheet is partially dissolved, and when the ends are placed togeather, the resultant bond is as strong, or stronger than the shell itself. Additionally, the seam is very thin.
Gas custom drums of Australia (www.gascustomdrums.com)uses sheets of Mitsubishi shinkolite, a high-quality acrylic used in the automotive industry and optics.
As in the 1970s, changes in oil prices impact the price of acrylics and hence the cost of drum shells made from them. As cited above, Ludwig references the oil shock of the late 1970s (and the impact it had on material costs and subsequent product pricing) as one of the main reasons original Vistalite production ended in 1979.
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