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Sterling Percussion, Seattle

Posts: 7 Threads: 2

Just wondering if anyone has any information on Sterling Percussion. Some years ago I made a blind buy on Ebay from a pawn shop in Texas--a blue-sparkle 6" x 13" snare with a very high-quality 9-ply shell and Pearl-style hardware. Could be late 80s or early 90s, though I might be wrong. The badge reads "Sterling Percussion, Handcrafted in Seattle USA." The drum is excellent, but I can find no information about this maker; over the years I think I've seen one other listed for sale, which looked more recent, a white sparkle with offset lugs.

Any thoughts?

Posted on 8 years ago
#1
Posts: 1537 Threads: 117

Welcome to the forum! I had no luck on a search. Hope others can help.

Creighton

Nothing special here but I like them.
Posted on 8 years ago
#2
Posts: 6363 Threads: 223

+1 with what Creighton said...no info found on this drum company.

-Mark

Posted on 8 years ago
#3
Posts: 7 Threads: 2

Oddly, I found one this very morning on a store website (see picture). It looks to be slightly fancier than mine, and a bit later judging from the hardware. Vendor knows nothing about it, though, other than that it's "a great drum."

Posted on 8 years ago
#4
Posts: 1651 Threads: 215

Interestingly enough I just happened across someone on LinkedIn who according to their information worked for " Sterling Percussion Custom Drums:

Designed Drums, and improved designs on drum hardware for OEM manufactures. "

So I'll reach out and see if he can shed some light.

18 Kits & 40+ snares..
Not a Guru, just addicted to drums

- Jay
Posted on 8 years ago
#5
Posts: 7 Threads: 2

Awesome! Hopefully your contact can help. Been wondering about this for a long time.

Posted on 8 years ago
#6
Posts: 3088 Threads: 326

I like the company name. It's always been worth more than a buck. Nice white sparkle snare. I've never heard of white sparkle.

Posted on 8 years ago
#7
Posts: 6363 Threads: 223

As Jay points out, probably an OEM drum. Would be great if more information can be obtained.

-Mark

Posted on 8 years ago
#8
Posts: 410 Threads: 14

I'm wondering if they are parts drums, possibly with custom made shells and OEM hardware.

There are plenty of people doing it this way now, maybe Sterling was a startup that tried or did work their way into the market by starting with off-the-shelf hardware?

-Erik
______
Early '70's Slingerland New Rock #50 in blue agate (20-16-13-12)
Late '50's WFL Swingster/Barrett Deems in black/gold Duco
'70's Slingerland Gene Krupa Sound King COB
early '70's Ludwig Acrolite
'80's Ludwig Rocker II 6 1/2" snare
Rogers Supreme Big "R" hi hat

Posted on 8 years ago
#9
Posts: 1461 Threads: 87

Just on the phone with Seattle drum builder Gerry Garcia (really!) Does nice work under his Garcia brand. Says the Sterling owner was a guy named Gary Pelfry (sp). Son of the owner of Radio Shack. Shell should be 8 or 10 ply, and usually painted finish. Supposed to be a very good wood worker. Gerry actually sold him parts for the drums that he got from Worldmax. Might a source of parts if needed. Hope that helps with the info search. Gerry would be happy to talk with you if you want. PM me and I will send you his phone number.

Posted on 8 years ago
#10
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