This is a feeler to see if there is interest in my Austin-era Fibes 5.5x14 chrome-over-fiberglass snare drum.
I an the original owner (purchased from Harry Cangany almost twenty years ago). It is un-altered, mint condition, gently played and stored it's limited professional life. ALL ORIGINAL AND COMPLETE, including the original Fibes heads, hoops, and snare. Not one lug, washer, or screw has been replaced, nor does the drum need any repairs. The SFT strainer is pristine and works perfectly. No pitting on lug casings, and the wrap is the traditional chromed spring-steel rather than a plastic/acrylic wrap, which helps give this snare it's unique sound and crispness, not to mention tremendous range, from delicate pianissimo to thunderous rim-shots. You could use it on a gig the day you get it!
This drum is identical, save for the badge, to the drum shown on Bennett Drums as "Buddy Rich's 1970's Fibes Chrome over Fiberglass Snare", with no pitting. And for a whole lot less. Sadly, like Slingerland and Rogers, this drum-maker is no more, so finding another Fibes fiberglass snare in this condition might be almost impossible in the future.
The workmanship on this snare is equal to or better than any of the Fibes/Martin/Corder/Darwin snares I've examined - the chrome is lovely, the brass lug inserts are high quality, even the rubber lug grommets are in place. The fiberglass bearing edges have never been touched and are perfect, as is the shell interior.
Price: $750 o.b.o.
If interested, drop me a private message. I would like this drum to go to someone who will care for it as I have, and preserve it as a piece of drum history, and play it with the abandon that it deserves. If there is no interest here, I'll sadly put it on eBay with a high reserve. Thanks in advance for your interest! Regards, Rick
