Great drum.

A supra tends to be a naturally dry sounding snare drum, at least I think so. I have two, and two Acrolites. I would say both types have a great responsive range, tune well across a broad range looser to tighter, are drier than a brass or steel shelled drum.

The SuperTen, is a very articulate snare drum, has the classic Rogers modern bearing edges and snare bed profiles that made the Powertone and Dynasonic so very popular. These drums tune up extremely well into the higher tension ranges without choking. They respond articulately right out to the edge of the playing surface at any level of playing force. And they will crack like a rifle shot that can make a guitarists eyes bleed.

They are less common than the Dynasonic. It is unknown just how many Supertens were produced in 5 inch and 6.5 inch sizes. And it is unknown how many Maple shelled Supertens were produced between late 81 and 84.

What we do know....... There is no functional difference between Oval Badge issued 5 inch Supertens and the Big R version. The only difference between the two eras is the Badge, and later in the Big R period, the Throw off. Still the same throw off, just made slightly different. Big R Superten five inch drums were produced to the end of production or until shells ran out close to the end of production in 1984 using shells ordered druing the Oval Badge period. No one knows exactly. We do know that 6.5 Superten Oval Badge shell stock ran out before 1980, and Rogers ordered new shells with the Big R badge location two panels to the left of the throw off. There are not tens of thousands of these drums in either size out in the world. They were produced in much lower numbers than the Dynasonic, and while not "rare" they are certainly not common.

The drum was grossly under rated in 1973 when the Superten was introduced, and the drum was under rated through out its production life. I believe that was a tremendous marketing error by Rogers. It was never popular, because it was never really given adequate marketing.

It is a great drum and will make your presence onstage known by everyone. You will not be disappointed in the performance, response, sound, or dependability of this drum.

Heads and Tuning

Recommendations are for a Coated Ambassador or Diplomat on top, with an Ambassador Snare side. Two full turns above finger tight on top, two and a half above on bottom. Wires would be a 16-20 strand, Puresounds are great on this drum. You will have a bright, very articulate drum that has a very satisfying ring which cuts through the mix. It is a loud drum. Snares should be tensioned to make an easy, forceless engagement of the throw off. I have tried several different heads on the Superten including a PS3, which I believe leaves the drum sounding muffled and choked. This drums doesnt need to be muffled down. I have also tried a G1, which I do not believe performs soundwise with the Ambassador or Diplomat. I have used an Evans J1 Etched, which performs really well, still a bright, articulate response range but a bit drier than the Remo Ambassador head.

Value.....1973-84 Current prices you could expect to pay at Ebay Auctions.

Five Inchers.... 150-250.00 USD

Six.Five Inchers....350-500 USD. Rare. Hard to find.

XP10 Maple Drums 1981-84.

Five Incher. ...... Unknown. Only one is known to exist.

Six.Five Incher.....400-1200 depending on condition, "gottahaveit factor" and retail, auction, or individual sale.

Eight Incher..... 350-500.

I have four 5 inch Superten Steel drums, one is an early Oval Badge, two are early 1975 Big R's, and one is a 1980 Big R. I also own two Superten XP10, ten ply maple 8x14s, and two 6.5x14s... one of which was built for Gina Schock of The Go-Gos in January 1983.

The Gina Schock Superten

[IMG]http://inlinethumb09.webshots.com/46472/2351928580028342110S600x600Q85.jpg[/IMG]

1973 First Year Superten

[IMG]http://inlinethumb41.webshots.com/48360/2267314090028342110S600x600Q85.jpg[/IMG]

Group

[IMG]http://inlinethumb11.webshots.com/46986/2405015290028342110S600x600Q85.jpg[/IMG]

Thanks for the info Ploughman!! You are absolutely correct regarding volume and the attack factor of the Supertens...My 1973 6.5 x 14 oval badge has a crack similar to that of a shotgun being fired!! I have ambs on top (coated) and bottom (clear)...This would be a great snare to have in any drummer`s arsenal...I recommend the Superten to anyone that wishes to have a snare that cuts right through to the audience...

Cheers

Mr. Ploughman what a simply awesome answer to my question also thank you Grantro I may have one in sight and with this education I am going to try and get it it is a 6and 1/2 by 14 which suits me fine... many many thanks.. Mike

How did you make out Mike? Did you get it?

Cheers