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Leedy project finally done!

Posts: 350 Threads: 33

I purchased this 5x14 NOB Leedy "Professional" model (circa 1927-1929-ish) probably about 6-7 years ago from an antique store in Sarasota, FL. I dismantled it, hand polished every part, then carefully labeled everything, wrapped them up and stowed it all away until I felt I had time to deal with the totally rusted, slotted tension rods. I finally got around to getting them re-plated recently and she's got a new lease on life. The only non-original item was a new rivet on the Speedway strainer that I had a machinist replace.

The back story from the antique store was that the drum and a few other items were found in a backroom closet in the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium (built in 1938).

1974-75 Rogers Starlighter IV New England White 13/16/22 (w/Dyna)
1964-67 Rogers Blue Glass Glitter 12/14/16/20
early Oaklawn Camco Blue Moire 12/14/20
1926 Super Ludwig 5x14
1960-ish Ludwig COB 5x14 Super Sensitive
1960-ish Ludwig COB 6.5x14 Super Sensitive
1970 Ludwig COB Cut-Badge 5x14 Supra Phonic

Looking for a Camco Aristocrat SD in Blue Moire!!
Posted on 3 years ago
#1
Posts: 2241 Threads: 379

Beautiful! What an amazing job! My first snare drum was Leedy my dad gave me. I sure wish I had it now! Again, your project turned out to be simply breathtaking!

Brian

Just a drummer who loves all things about vintage drums! Nothing more, nothing less.
Posted on 3 years ago
#2
Posts: 536 Threads: 31

Beautiful!

Posted on 3 years ago
#3
Posts: 6363 Threads: 223

kdg!

A job well done! Your Leedy "Professional" is stunning! Did re-plating the tension rods cause any binding issues?

-Mark

Posted on 3 years ago
#4
Posts: 350 Threads: 33

From idrum4fun

kdg!A job well done! Your Leedy "Professional" is stunning! Did re-plating the tension rods cause any binding issues?-Mark

Mark,

No, not at all. All the rods turn freely. From what I have read the general thickness for Nickel plating is between 0.0005 - 0.0008 inches. I thought that I may have to use a die to re-cut and clean the threads, but they turned fine with a little 3-in-1 oil.

-Kurt

1974-75 Rogers Starlighter IV New England White 13/16/22 (w/Dyna)
1964-67 Rogers Blue Glass Glitter 12/14/16/20
early Oaklawn Camco Blue Moire 12/14/20
1926 Super Ludwig 5x14
1960-ish Ludwig COB 5x14 Super Sensitive
1960-ish Ludwig COB 6.5x14 Super Sensitive
1970 Ludwig COB Cut-Badge 5x14 Supra Phonic

Looking for a Camco Aristocrat SD in Blue Moire!!
Posted on 3 years ago
#5
Posts: 6363 Threads: 223

From kdg

Mark, No, not at all. All the rods turn freely. From what I have read the general thickness for Nickel plating is between 0.0005 - 0.0008 inches. I thought that I may have to use a die to re-cut and clean the threads, but they turned fine with a little 3-in-1 oil.-Kurt

Excellent! That's what I was hoping to hear, but wanted your confirmation on this.

-Mark

Posted on 3 years ago
#6
Posts: 733 Threads: 49

Yes that certainly is a great job and great snare.

Wayne

Posted on 3 years ago
#7
Posts: 3088 Threads: 326

Absolutely stunning save on the part of Sarasota Municipal Auditorium and you! Great teamwork to preserve a serious piece of drum manufacturing history. Don't you just love the folks that never throw away anything???

I find the heavy hoops and slotted tension rods very interesting. Leedy made a tough drum and no doubt one that sounds great too.

Congrats on the final result!

Posted on 3 years ago
#8
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