Hey Mark!

I can't honestly say about the Gene Krupa model stick as I haven't reserached him to death as I have Buddy, but that said:

Slingerland started producing/cataloging the Buddy Rich model stick in 1968.. and .. it is featured in the 1968 Slingerland catalog. The Slingerland BR model stick stayed in place throughout Buddy's entire endorsement up to his leaving in the Fall of 1976. ( interestingly, Buddy started playing Cappella made sticks while still with Slingerland in the mid 70's.. and .. it has been said that Cappella were the one's actually making the sticks for Slingerland in the first place! ) I do have in my BR collection TWO pair of NOS Slingerland Buddy Rich model sticks, still in the bag, as well as Buddy Rich Rogers, WFL, Cappella, Ludwig, etc... but I digress. I would suspect that Slingerland was producing and/or cataloging a Gene Krupa model stick as soon as Gene was with the company. Researching when he started with Slingerland may hold the answer there.

Tommyp

Tommyp!!

I knew I could count on you! Unbeknownst to me, my girlfriend just purchased a pair each of BR and GK Slingerland sticks, both NOS! I'll supply pictures when they arrive.

I also just finished making a 22" BR tribute drum head for our drum room. I already had a BR bass drum shield and Slingerland decal. Got a drum head for cheap on Ebay, with "PACO" painted on the head! Fortunately, "PACO" was easily removed with acetone, leaving the smooth white head nice and clean... and ready for the BR shield and Slingerland logo. Looks pretty good! Actually considering making half a bass drum to display it!

Mark

Mark!

Chances are... the Slingerland BR sticks you have are going to be 70's era, and I'll be able to tell once I see them. There were THREE models, only one of which Buddy actually played. Those are the wood tip with red lettering, and most all I have seen are 70's era. There is also the Buddy Rich OAK model, and those have blue lettering, otherwise same profile as the hickory model with red lettering. Buddy never actually played the OAK model stick that I have ever seen, but they are nice to have in a collection despite that. I do have an NOS/NIB pair of the BR OAK as well. There was also both a GK and BR "N" model offered by Slingerland, which was a nylon tip. Again, Buddy never played those as he preferred a wood tip. Can't say for Gene though as I haven't researched him to this degree. Nice to have an NOS pair though! Here are a couple pics of both Slingerland BR models from my collection. ENJOY!!

Tommyp

Tommyp!

Thanks for the info on the sticks. I'm told the sticks have arrived and I'll be checking them out on Monday. Pictures to come!

Mark

Tommy!

Checked out the GK and BR sticks. Very nice! I'm attaching pictures of the BR sticks for you to see. They look identical to the ones you posted. Too bad the grain doesn't match, and one is slightly warped, but that's OK with me, as they certainly look NOS!

Mark

Mark those are sweet congrats. Cool things to have! I remember having a pair of those waay back when. With the sort of acorn shape tips. Good stuff. Please post the GK sticks too if possible. Would love to see them. :)

Hi!

Yeah, they're a really nice find... and a wonderful surprise from my girlfriend! I only brought home the BR sticks, but will be back at my girlfriend's this weekend and will post pictures of the GK sticks, too!

Hey Mark!

Yup!... those are the ones that are the most common from this endorsement period. Nice to have in the collection regardless of the grain and slight warp. Back when things were good regarding the economy, disposable income!, and the vintage drum craze, a pair like those would have gone for OVER $100.00!

Tommyp

Tommy!

Glad to know these are the sticks to have... even with the mismatched grain and slight warping! Concerning the price you mentioned, my girlfriend did fess up that she didn't pay too much more for both the GK and BR sticks, including free shipping!

Pictures showing the GK sticks are attached. Any idea what year/decade Slingerland used the green block lettering?

Mark