Really interested to read about your ER Dyna COB. I have one in similar condition which I have had from new since 1967. It has been gigged regularly and still looks and sounds fantastic. I bought this as part of an ER kit which I recently had renovated by Eddie Ryan. He gave the Dyna a once over and commented that it was in A1 condition. His only comment on the differences between the American drums and the English ones were that the threads on the American tension rods were better. I also bought an American late 60's COB Dyna on e-bay a few months ago in A1 as much out of curiosity than anything and have to agree that I think the English drum is better. I've always wanted a wood Dyna but never had the funds to buy one. My comments equally apply to the rest of the ER kit, The later ones with the beavertail lugs were in my opinion very well made and sound good particularly the Bass Drum. Unfortunately they have received bad press over the years which I feel is unjustified. Incidentally what head combination do you use? I have tried several over the years and currently have an ambassador batter head and ambassador snare head (as fitted and recommended by Eddie). When I purchased the kit it was fitted with a Rogers (ambassador type) batter head and a Rogers " hazy" (diplomat type) snare head.As to value that's an interesting point. I've personally never seen an ER Dyna on E-Bay so have no idea but consider it worth every bit as much as the American one I have. Certainly I will never sell it!
Hi Swivomatic. Thanks for your comments. I'll see if I can address your points.
You are right on re your ER dynasonic. It's great to talk with someone who has also had an ER accompany him through most of his life. As I understand it, most of the parts on the ER Dyna were made in England. The only parts that I don't think were made there was the snare frame, throwoff and butt end. I also think the hoops may have been shipped from Rogers USA. I believe the shell is English, lugs, the muffler is an Ajax, etc. The badge may also be US made. It is the early fat oval type badge, sans a serial number and no grommet.
My ER sounds great with an Ambassador coated batter and Amb SS as well. The original USA dynas used a diplomat weight batter and amb snare side. However, I have always thought a 60's dip head was pretty close to today's coated amb.
When you get to kits, it is a very different thing. Again, most, if not all, parts were made in England. Different shells, etc. Then it becomes very subjective. I know of a gentleman on your side of the pond who has been doing alot of ER research. I will hit you offline and put the two of you in touch.
I am probably not the best person to ask about a wood dynasonic. I have two of them (both early beavertail versions), but prefer a Powertone over the dynas. I don't want to start that whole debate here, but will say that my ER has more of a "beefy" sound to it, without sacrificing sensitivity, than the couple of COB US dynas I own. It just seems to have alot more character.
One last comment, I don't know that ER ever got a bad rap. I just think most folks don't know about them (here in the US). They are indeed a significant part of 1960's drum history.
