Hmmmm how have I not added my Slingerland BOP set ? I got these and they were pretty beat up but I was able to save the original finish . I also have a 20" bass drum for these too but use the 18" . I hope you dig em

What a beauty! And, yes, I dig 'em!!

-Mark

Thanks Mark !

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Barrett Deems Endorser Set, circa 1980. BR Configuration, 14x24 BD, 9x13 Tom, two 16x16 FT, 6.5x14 COB Spitfire COB Snare Drum. Have the WMP Cannister Throne, all original hardware, and Barrett's Humes and Berg Vulcanized Fiber Cases for all Drums.

Barrett was using this set out at the Elbo Room in Chicago, him and his big band were doing a lot of Krupa Tribute Tunes at the time, and had Slingerland make this set up for him. No Tone Controls were installed on any of the Drums, just the way Barrett liked them apparently.

Apparently, Barrett didn't use this set much, perhaps a few weeks at most, and then were tucked away in their Cases for the next 20 years. The original heads on all drums were all almost like new. The set is absolutely pristine, not a mark anywhere, zero fade.

No Cymbals were included, I outfitted the Set with new Paiste Sig Cymbals 22" 16" 17" 10", and new 15" Zildjian New Beat High Hats.

All Shells wear the Endorser Badges as well as the Slingerland Black-Silver Niles Badges.

I bought this set from Randal Siefert (deceased) at the 2000 Chicago Vintage Drum Show. Randy had another of Barrett's Sets, the WMP Slingerland Benny Goodman Set which was 4 years older, and was the set that Barrett used with Benny on tour in Eastern Europe.

I was also offered that set at a later date to buy, again with all Humes and Berg Cases, but one set was enough at that time, didn't barely have the room for one set at the time, and honestly was a bit hard pressed for that sort of money at the time as well.

One of our well known forum members, Steve Maxwell was with me that afternoon when I bought this set, and it had his blessing that this wasn't some cobbled together bootleg set, but indeed the real deal.

Randal was evidently one of the persons, whom shortly after Barrett's death basically purchased every drum, drum set, cymbal, the whole kit and caboodle from Barret's wife, Jane Thompson, and as I was also informed for basically pennies on the dollar.

And according to my teacher Phil Stanger, one of Barrett's very close friends right till the end, she also sold a Snare Drum that belonged to Roy C. Knapp, not Barrett's. Roy's son fought to get that Drum returned to him I understand.

A couple years after, I had the ability to purchase, or was also given some Barrett Goodies from Randy, Sticks, Tom Holders, Spare Parts, and that rare mint 12 Lug Spitfire Snare. The Set originally came with a NOS Gene Krupa 5x14 COB Sound King Snare that Barrett had.

I have more pics, but sadly not on this computer. Hard seeing my doggie in this pic, she died 2-1/2 years ago, miss her so much.

Hi MarkD!

A great story and a wonderful set of drums. Barrett was one fine drummer! Thanks for sharing!

-Mark

Here are two Slingerland snare drums that are currently waiting restoration...

a 1966 Artist in Black Diamond Pearl and a somewhat rare 1964 Student Deluxe in Sparkling Green Pearl. I'm really busy right now with other projects, so not really sure when I'm going to get to these drums.

-Mark

+1 with Mark!! Great story!!

Cheers

Mark, on the BDP Artist, is the badge not centered top to bottom in it's panel or is that a photographic illusion? Also, how did you arrive at a '66 date? Is there a date stamp? Interior looks like it has beige stain maybe, which is possible for late '66. Thanks.

During COVID, I've found the orphans to finish two 1960s sets.

Surely won't be speaking of Barrett badly, he was a pretty flamboyant sort of guy. Back in the 60's, when I took lessons from Phil Stanger at Frank's Drum Shop, there was some very personable off the charts guy who I seen on some rare occasions, would be interacting with Maurie Lishon the owner like they were 2 Dutch Uncles.

While I didn't know him, I get the strong impression unbeknownst to me, that this was Barrett!

Phil said he first met Barrett in Springfield doing a gig, Phil was only 16 at the time.

I know from being at Steve Maxwell's house one time, Steve apparently was a fan of Barrett's, and could probably relate many more stories of Barrett. Had much literature, and some goodies, and know over the years Steve has also had some of Barrett's Drums, and Sets, besides some other Slingerland endorsers stuff.

I seem to recall Steve having a Louie Bellson Endorser Badged WMP 6.5x14 Spitfire Snare for sale once, just beautiful! And quite pricey as well!

Barrett was s Slingerland Endorser for many years, but had an unliked trait from the heads at Slingerland. Barrett would often either give away, or sell Drums and Sets that were given to him, and he raised hell with men like Bud, and Donny who were running the company.

Phil explained to me one day, and about Barrett, that Endorsers commonly got 2 Sets per year free to use, usually the latest and greatest from the company for exposure purposes no doubt, but when given a new Set, Endorsers were supposed to turn in the older set. Barrett often didn't.

Barrett never drank, but did smoke, and drank coffee like a fish the story goes.

One time, and as the story goes and was told to me by Phil, Barrett's in some Chicago Restaurant Diner, probably in the loop, he's sitting with someone, somehow they got on the subject of firearms, and Barrett exclaimed that he always has his .38 with him, and had it with him that moment.

And who's sitting at the next booth? A Chicago Cop! LOL Phil said it cost Barrett $1000 to get out of that little mess! LOL

Phil had once said at the end, and he was talking to Barrett on a daily basis, everything was starting to fail on him, lungs, kidneys. you name it sadly.

I called Phil who was then retired and living in Twain Harte, CA the day after I bought my Barrett Set. First question Phil Asked me, "Did you get the Humes And Berg Cases with the set too"? And my reply was yes! Phil then said. "Shellac them all!". I never did though, but should've.