I'm in the process of downsizing my vintage drum set collection. In recent years, I have reduced the number of drum sets from thirteen down to five. I currently have two of my all-time favorite vintage drum sets up for sale. So, here's my question for you other vintage drum fanciers. If--for some reason--you had to limit yourself to having only one vintage drum set, which one would it be. Let's limit the answer to be a drum set that you currently own. A picture of that drum set would be nice to see. My forever drum set would be my 1963 Leedy Black Diamond Pearl drum set with matching Shelly Manne snare drum. The configuration of the set is 14x20 bass drum, 16x16 floor tom, 9x13 mounted tom, matching 5x14 Shelly Manne snare drum. I also have period-correct hardware for this drum set. I have lots of period-correct cymbal stands and snare drum stands for all of my vintage drum sets--much of the single-braced hardware is generic made by W&A or Camco offered for sale in brand name drum catalogs. I have a period correct Leedy bass drum pedal that is exactly the same as my Slingerland Tempo King except for the logo foot board. Among my snare drum stash is a second Shelly Manne snare drum that is probably from 1958 or 1959.
If You could Have Only One Drum Set
My 1969 Jazzette -completely matched with the original hardware and matching Supra. Now...having said that, my favorite drum set to play, would be my Arbiter AT kit.
"Nietzsche is dead." -God
All I have left is my 1963 Ludwig Club Dates w/matching snare. All in sky blue pearl.
My 68 Hollywood
I had the blue note that would be my 2nd kit
66/67 downbeat with canister
Super 400 small round knob
1967 super classic obp
once the brass ceases to glitter, and the drum looses its luster, and the stage remains dark, all you have left is the timbre of family.
I currently have 4 vintage sets...
1965 Slingerland Modern Solo 2R (currently in restoration mode)
1966 Rogers Headliner (Blue Sparkle)
1967 Slingerland 4N (I had the 14x14, but sold it in favor of the 16x16)
1971 Slingerland Modern Solo 2R (Original Sparkling Purple Pearl)
They are all wonderful kits! Narrowing them down to only one will be difficult. However, I previously made up my mind to eventually sell the 1967 and 1971 Slingerland kits, leaving the 1966 Rogers and the 1965 Slingerland Modern Solo 2R. I first saw that set in my very first drum catalog, which was the 1968 Slingerland. I always loved looking at the 2R set, with the dual 12" toms! I really won't know how much I like it until the restoration is complete...and I don't know when that will be!
After all that, my gut tells me that my 1966 Rogers Headliner is the one set with the overall best build and sound quality, so maybe that's the keeper! Will I change my mind when the Slingerland 2R is finished? Check back in 6 months or so!!!
-Mark
I currently have 4 vintage sets...1965 Slingerland Modern Solo 2R (currently in restoration mode)1966 Rogers Headliner (Blue Sparkle)1967 Slingerland 4N (I had the 14x14, but sold it in favor of the 16x16)1971 Slingerland Modern Solo 2R (Original Sparkling Purple Pearl)They are all wonderful kits! Narrowing them down to only one will be difficult. However, I previously made up my mind to eventually sell the 1967 and 1971 Slingerland kits, leaving the 1966 Rogers and the 1965 Slingerland Modern Solo 2R. I first saw that set in my very first drum catalog, which was the 1968 Slingerland. I always loved looking at the 2R set, with the dual 12" toms! I really won't know how much I like it until the restoration is complete...and I don't know when that will be!After all that, my gut tells me that my 1966 Rogers Headliner is the one set with the overall best build and sound quality, so maybe that's the keeper! Will I change my mind when the Slingerland 2R is finished? Check back in 6 months or so!!!-Mark
If I had to choose for you, the 66 Rogers would be the choice.
Dan!!
You are probably right about this! Ludwig, Rogers and Slingerland all made wonderful sets in the mid-60's and each could turn out some dud shells. Still, Rogers always seems to be at the top of everyone's list when it comes to overall build and QC. That, plus the overall condition of my Headliner set is excellent!
As to my 1965 Slingerland Modern Solo, I've spent a lot of time and money gathering all the period-correct hardware, which includes the first-generation 2-leg hi-hat stand, cymbal stands and Tempo King bass drum pedal. Add my already complete first-generation smooth-shell COB GK snare drum and the set will most likely be a keeper!
This Modern Solo set was ordered with COB bass drum hoops and a TK snap-on pedal. However, I really want the set to look like the catalog picture. I've already obtained 16 period correct bass drum claws and Torpedo T-rods and will be ordering wood hoops and matching inlay from Precision Drum. After all the money spent, I know I'll hang onto this set!
Catalog picture attached!
So, it looks like I'll have two vintage sets!
-Mark
Dan!!As to my 1965 Slingerland Modern Solo, I've spent a lot of time and money gathering all the period-correct hardware, which includes the first-generation 2-leg hi-hat stand, cymbal stands and Tempo King bass drum pedal. Add my already complete first-generation smooth-shell COB GK snare drum and the set will most likely be a keeper! However, I really want the set to look like the catalog picture. -Mark
Catalog correct vs. year correct. The same Modern Solo 2R catalog picture was used from '62/'63 - '67. The smooth shell COB Krupa snare was only used for two years ('62 & '63) but it is in the 2R catalog picture thru '67. The correct snare for '65 would be a three line COB. The 2-legged hi-hat stand is another item that remains in catalog pictures far beyond it's actual use. It must have actually been short lived due to it's unstable nature. What years was the 2-legged hi-hat stand actually used before being replaced by the 3-legged version?
Catalog correct vs. year correct. The same Modern Solo 2R catalog picture was used from '62/'63 - '67. The smooth shell COB Krupa snare was only used for two years ('62 & '63) but it is in the 2R catalog picture thru '67. The correct snare for '65 would be a three line COB. The 2-legged hi-hat stand is another item that remains in catalog pictures far beyond it's actual use. It must have actually been short lived due to it's unstable nature. What years was the 2-legged hi-hat stand actually used before being replaced by the 3-legged version?
Hi Slingerfan!
Most of us are well aware that many of the drum companies would use the same picture of a catalog kit, even though the hardware and drums changed. While I'm aware of the timeline for the smooth-shell GK snare drum, I'm still using it as shown in the catalog picture.
The same is true for the 2-leg hi-hat stand and the TK pedal. The versions shown were certainly changed by the mid-60's. Slingerland always seem to show the first-generation TK pedal in almost every catalog from the early 60's through the mid-70's, even though that version no longer existed! I love having my first-edition TK, as shown with the Modern Solo 2R catalog picture!
As to how long the 2-leg hi-hat stand lasted, it certainly wasn't long! Like you, I also thought it was due to the "unstable" nature. However, now that I have a 2-leg version, that is not true! It is very stable!
Also, every picture I've seen of the 2-leg version clearly shows the non-creep spur attached. Mine must be an even earlier version, as there is no spur. And, you can tell from the factory rivet that it never had one!
-Mark
I would keep my ludwig oyster blue set. 22, 13, 16, and matching pioneer that I recently purchased. Tried to attach a picture but failed.
Thank you!
Jeff C
"Enjoy every sandwich" Warren Zevon
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