I foresee new Radio King solid shell snares and maybe some type of Buddy and Gene tribute snares and/or sets. Beyond that it's hard to visualize anything that won't cannibalize sales from DW or Gretsch ( assuming they continue to distribute Gretsch).
+1 with K.O. It's possible Slingerland will be to DW what Leedy was to Slingerland after Slingerland bought Leedy in the mid 50's. Perhaps that's fitting.
+1 with K.O. It's possible Slingerland will be to DW what Leedy was to Slingerland after Slingerland bought Leedy in the mid 50's. Perhaps that's fitting.
That's an interesting take on this, and it puts this deal into some kind of perspective.
I'm sure Slingerland buying Leedy was also a big deal BITD and looked at badly by many Leedy fans, but it turned out to be a pretty important part of American drum history.
It would seem counterintuitive to bring out a new line of Slingerlands when there is a plentiful supply of the vintage "real deal" drums out there that can usually be purchased for much less than a new set. Yet Ludwig, Gretsch, and even DW face this same issue, lots of used product out there. Drums aren't generally a disposable item and most people take care of them pretty well so the population of quality used examples from each of those brands continues to grow year after year. Yet, somehow, they are all able to sell enough new drums annually to stay in business and even flourish. To me that indicates that a large percentage of drummers are enamored enough with "shiny new" or "latest and greatest" to shell out the money for new drums. So adding another flavor, Slingerland, might just be what some folks are looking for (depending on what DW does with the brand). I would guess they know what they are doing and it has always been evident that the two principals at DW have a genuine affection for vintage American drums. Figure Steve Maxwell is likely to get involved in some fashion and there is potential for some pretty neat stuff.
I have some vintage Slingerland sets and one Nashville set so my needs are covered many times over but a brand new Radio King snare built to high standards would hold some appeal to me if the price isn't crazy high.
Pricing will be the trick here. Ultra high prices and poor distribution is what killed off the Gibson Slingerlands. Make it too much of a premium brand and people will stick with their vintage ones and nothing else. Conversely turn them into a mid-line or lower brand will likely kill them off as well unless coupled to higher end versions that the buyers of the cheaper ones can aspire to own eventually.
If it's made in America it will never be affordable, especially to the father buying his son his first kit and if it's made overseas....Eye BallDW won't be happy until they have total control of every drum company, they're like the Mr. Potter of the drumming world. John Good obviously knows how to market and minupulate buyers, he's also quite full of himself, his drum tuning methods and timbre matching are the stupidest **** I've ever seen.
It doesn't surprise me that you are the only one here who is bemoaning the fact that DW has decided to purchase Slingerland, resurrecting a great name in American drums. Why don't you do something intelligent and wait to see what DW's marketing plans are for Slingerland, instead of tearing the whole thing down.
The paragraph you are about to read was copied from one of the facebook groups. I have to agree with this statement.
All the negative comments regarding the recent brand purchase... shame on you all. An American based company purchased the brand. They have the financial strength and reputation to carry it forward. This rich history will no longer be sitting on a shelf or in some file cabinet somewhere degrading and fading from the public eye as years pass. If you watch the video, it shows that the new owners are proud of the brand and the history. As fans, lets boost them up and be a voice, and source of research for them. The knowledge, history, and enthusiasm contained in this group could be of great benefit to DW, let's not scare them off. Let's support them as they bring our passion back to life in the market. You guys are better than that.
I'll wait for one of you guys to waste your money on a dw Slingerland and report back when you try to sell and lose a bundle.
You're all MAD! DW had once again used their marketing scheme to sap the gullible American public. I thought vintage guys would have more sense than to fall for their tactics. Say it ain't so.Violin
For me, there are sweet spots for Slingerland drums during their long history. Although I love the old 1930's and 1940's looks and sound of Slingies, my favorites are the drums that I yearned to own, and eventually did own. Those are the Slingerland drums made from about 1957 through 1968. If I had known about them at the time, I probably would have wanted Slinger/Leedy drums because of the drop dead gorgeous lugs. If I had to reduce my drum stash to only one drum set and a spare snare drum, those drums would be my 1963 Slinger/Leedy Shelly Manne set in Black Diamond Pearl with matching Shelly Manne snare drum. The spare snare drum would be my other Shelly Manne snare drum in Pink Glass Glitter. If DW made new issues of that era of Slingerland drums, I think that they would be a hit at prices to compete with USA-made Gretsch.
Gentlemen,restrain yourselves,this could get ugly!
It is already quite ugly from one nattering nabob of negativity (thanks to the disgraced Spiro Agnew for that term). I've never been a DW fan. Maybe because I was a Camco owner and fan from the Oak Lawn days. But, if anyone can resurrect my favorite brand of drums, I think that DW could do it.
