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Leedy Mardi Gras Snare

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I don't often post without asking for advice, but figured this drum was notable enough to deserve its day in the spotlight.

Picked up a SlingerLeedy snare in Mardi Gras 2 days ago, 2 days later, looking good as new. Pretty sure based on the Rapid strainer it's a Ray Mosca model. 5.5x14'', 8 lugs. Inside is stamped with a P as well SEP.

Unfortunately the year part of the date stamp is pretty smudged and impossible to read. I attempted to trace it with paper (think preschool paper and crayons on top of something textured and think I may be getting a '59 when I do that but the strainer's dried out rubber washer makes me think it's 61 per the Slingerland strainers research from CJ Wenk. (although the badge part of the website suggests that the 61 badge would have a post code)

Anyway, here's the before/after, I'll probably take more professional looking after pics down the line but need to set up my photog equipment first. Still can't decide if I love or hate this finish!

Posted on 4 years ago
#1
Posts: 273 Threads: 6
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Wow nice find

Posted on 4 years ago
#2
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What a beautiful snare. Fantastic job on the clean up. That one is on my bucket list of snares so if you ever want to part company with it I can give it a good home

No Guru - I just love collecting & learning about vintage drums!

Some of my favorites from the kits in the collection
58 WFL New Yorker Blue Sparkle
67 Ludwig Hollywood Red Psychedelic
69 Ludwig Standard Red Ruby Strata
70's Ludwig BOP "Ringo" Kit

A few of my favorite snares
20's Leedy Black Elite
51 Leedy & Ludwig Knob Tension
58 WFL Buddy Rich Classic Blue Sparkle
63 Walberg & Auge Sea Blue Agave Green Pearl
66 Leedy Shelly Manne Blue Agate Pearl
Posted on 4 years ago
#3
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Nice drum and nice detective work. The VDG Leedy badge guide is not 100% correct. According to Dr. CJ Wenk the blue badge without postal code was used '58 thru '61. The rapid strainer details you mentioned are definitely '61 and later. Has the badge been tampered with? The grommet looks a bit deformed. Lets see some more pictures. As far as the Mardi Gras wrap, it was my all time favorite until a forum member here pointed out that from 10 feet away it just looks black (LOL). Damn you clubdate64!

Posted on 4 years ago
#4
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@Slingerfan, you're right, the grommet is a bit deformed, but as far I can tell it's original (the badge is tight and the grommet seems correct for a Leedy.) It's almost looks like it got squished during the installation of the badge or at some later point. It looks perfect/non deformed on the inside of the shell and there's no other damage that would make me think that the actual drum was dropped or something. (Side note: Is there another place with more of the good Doctor's research?)

@CTMichaelV maybe sometime down the line I might give you a shout, it's definitely growing on me and it's the first Leedy in my collection which when combined with the wrap really crosses off a big item on my own drum bucket list, but you never know. ;)

Posted on 4 years ago
#5
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From slingerfan

Nice drum and nice detective work. The VDG Leedy badge guide is not 100% correct. According to Dr. CJ Wenk the blue badge without postal code was used '58 thru '61. The rapid strainer details you mentioned are definitely '61 and later. Has the badge been tampered with? The grommet looks a bit deformed. Lets see some more pictures. As far as the Mardi Gras wrap, it was my all time favorite until a forum member here pointed out that from 10 feet away it just looks black (LOL). Damn you clubdate64!

Agreed!!

That really is a fantastic looking drum, and a beautiful bit of restoration work!

Mardi Gras remains my favourite finish - I wish I'd never sold my UK Rogers MG kit - despite the fact they did used to just look black from a distance!

(though I still have the matching Ajax snare)

Posted on 4 years ago
#6
Posts: 2753 Threads: 132
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I've said for many years that some of the coolest drum wraps are only cool looking from the perspective of the drummer behind the set and the other people near the drums on a stage. For viewers more than a few feet away Mardi Gras, Capri, Fiesta, Autographs of the Stars, etc. wraps look like dusty or blurry coverings.

No matter how far you push the envelope, it is still stationery.
Posted on 4 years ago
#7
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So, whatarethese123 cleaners/polish you used to clean that drum up so nicely?! A beautiful job; you made it look new! What is your secret formula? Thanks, MB

Posted on 4 years ago
#8
Posts: 273 Threads: 6
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Ya beautiful clean up job, I thought you got new imperial lugs

Posted on 4 years ago
#9
Posts: 6170 Threads: 255
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Great detail job on a very nice drum. Well done!

Posted on 4 years ago
#10
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