Bill!...

The BR/TDR had THREE air vents... that is correct, as did ALL the TDR models I believe. It was one of their identifying bits that was unique to the model.

Tommyp

Thanks for the info... and another question has surfaced...

Were these only made with their 5-ply shells?

I'm not nearly as well-verse in Slingerland as Ludwig and 70s Pearl, and don't have near the resource material available...

Thanks again,

Bill

Bill!...

Goes without saying that Buddy Rich and his drums/endorsements are my personal area of interest/expertise, but because of that, I have a wealth of supporting material for research purposes, etc. that I have collected over the years. As Buddy was a Slingerland endorser.. ( and TWICE at that ) .. I have information on their shells/make-up. I have had more than a few conversations with Dr. Carl Wenk over the years as well, and he is inarguably THE Slingerland Drum Company EXPERT, bar none. Here's the skinny on your query:

The 5 ply shell came out in 1972, and it was this shell specifically that was at the center of the NEW TDR marching drum, with set snare drums, bass drums, and toms to come shortly after. The 3 ply shell was still the STANDARD SHELL up until 1978, with the 5 ply being offered on kit and concert/orchestra snares with the exception of the BR/TDR model snare drum which was always the 5 ply shell. In 1979, the 5 ply became the STANDARD with the 3 ply being relegated to an option only build. So...

The short answer is: The 5 ply came into play in 1972 on TDR marching snare drums, drum set snare drums, and concert/orchestra snare drums, with the BR/TDR model being 5 ply from the start. Toms and bass drums came later in the 5 ply configuration.

Tommyp

Ladies and Gentlemen

Those are the words of the master..............

Tommy, did you see my complete kit now that its finished?

great idea at the show next year, your snare collection next to my set.

Now would be a vision to beholdflower

The listing states that it was a reserve listing, and the buy it now price has been deleted due to the fact that the reserve was met.

Item info

Item Title: Slingerland 5.5"x14" TDR Buddy Rich WMP Snare Drum 5-Ply 10-Lug **Rare**

Reserve met. Buy It Now price is no longer available since bidding has started.

Current bid: US $600.00

Shipping: US $19.95 -- Standard Shipping (FedEx Ground or FedEx Home Delivery).

Item number: 251156633218

Gary!...

I did indeed have a nice look at your '69 Slingerland WMP MASSIVE set! Those are truly something. A fine return to pristine glory they are! Very nice!! Funny you should make mention of the 2013 Chicago Vintage Drum Show too...

... as I have already been contacted about displaying "The Snare Drums of Buddy Rich 1949/50 to 1982" collection complete with drums.. pics.. sticks.. etc., all of it near MINT or NOS condition. If I don't take any gigs in May/2013... I'll be there! Actually, David and I have already been talking about the display, and I am leaning on keeping that week free of gigs. I gotta tell you though... I KNOW it's a lot of time/work dedicated to do a display, so I'm still chewing on it a bit. I thought it was great that you displayed that beautiful set this year!

Tommyp