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Heads for late 50's Slingys Last viewed: 4 hours ago

Posts: 70 Threads: 21

I'm finishing up a major cleanup/minor restoration of some mid-late 50s Slingerland Radio Kings, 13, 16, 22. The heads that came with the drums were a collection of whatever the seller had around.

This is my first "vintage" setup. (I had what are now vintage drums when the were new, long gone now). I'd like to solicit comments on what the most appropriate head combination would be to best bring out the character of these drums.

Many years ago I had a set of WWII era drums with calfskin heads and loved the sound and feel. I can't afford proper calfskins these days.

My first attempt with the Slingys was to put earthtone batters and coated Diplomats on the resonant side on the toms. The results are mixed, but not really what I'm looking for.

For my modern drums (maple shells sharp bearing edges) I like Remo coated Ambassador Suedes on the batters and coated Diplomats on the resonant sides. I like the tone and sustain.

What should I try next?

'56-'59 Slingerland BDP "Krupa Deluxe Ensemble"
DW Classics "Buddy Rich"
PDP CX
Various orphan shells and parts nearing critical mass
Posted on 14 years ago
#1
Posts: 1918 Threads: 60

I would use calf or Ludwig medium coated. Wow. I'm looking for a 50s Radio King kit in those sizes. Would you mind terribly posting a pic or two of the kit so I can see them? I'm a huge fan of that era Slingerland and I'm actively hunting. I appreciate it.

What Would You Do
Posted on 14 years ago
#2
Posts: 879 Threads: 74

Coated ambassadors. Top and bottom.

Posted on 14 years ago
#3
Posts: 5176 Threads: 188

ttt.........

"God is dead." -Nietzsche

"Nietzsche is dead." -God
Posted on 14 years ago
#4
Posts: 70 Threads: 21

I'll try to post some pictures in the next day or so.

Still a work in progress, but getting very close (are they ever actually done?).

'56-'59 Slingerland BDP "Krupa Deluxe Ensemble"
DW Classics "Buddy Rich"
PDP CX
Various orphan shells and parts nearing critical mass
Posted on 14 years ago
#5
Posts: 728 Threads: 92

No they are never actually done :)

“It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent; it is the one most adaptable to change.” - Charles Darwin
Posted on 14 years ago
#6
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