What you have is a Rogers "skinny drum".

These were made during 1970-1974. The patent was granted posthumously to Joe Thompson, father of the Dynasonic Snare.

These did not catch on at all. There were serious design flaws. Aluminum frame with steel tension rods..... Most that surface have bunged-up threads in the frame. How are the threads in your frame?

Check out Rob Cook's "The Rogers Book" for more info. 2nd edition p.195

Streetdrummer

dbeck,

I was a bit troubled by Streetdrummer's reply to your question when he said "These did not catch on at all. There were serious design flaws."

It's true that the Skinny drum did not sell well in the 70s and that the threads in the shell which hold the tension rods were prone to stripping. However, Streetdrummer's reply implies that this is not a drum of much value.

Actually, the design is in most other respects is now considered to be innovative and exceptional. These drums have a great sound when properly tuned and are in demand by classical players. (Think Scheherazade). They are on John Aldridge's most collectible snare list in "Vintage Drums" (see page 100).

Yours is gray in color (as opposed to black) and that makes it one of the earliest and rarest models.

If everything is in top notch condition and if it is all original, a Skinney drum will easily sell for $400 to $600. If the threads are stripped, the drum will be difficult to sell. Always keep the tension rods lubricated and start the tension rods with your fingers rather than a drum key for the first few turns.

For more information, see Rob Cook's "The Rogers Book" pages 124 and 195. I hope this helps.

Larry

Hi,

I got one last year, it is a very sweet drum for brushes and can be terrific on funkier stuff.

The design is unique. The throw looks as though it will break before breakfast, but mine is still intact and operational. You do hear a lot about the thread stripping, and that does seem to be the major precaution.

I think as a design the Satellite/Skinny was also intended for the school market, and the drum seems to be very cool combination of cost effective design and real innovation.

Most obvious historical effect might be the aluminum base free floater snares. Nah, probably the most obvious effect was nobody else went lugless....

Patrick

Hold up.........................

Let's not allow an interrupted conversation to get out of whack here.

I never said the drum was or was not of value at all. I asked a question as to the condition of the threads in the frame of the drum. Then you can determine it's worth.

Do you agree Larry?

Let's try reading the entire post before responding..............

No harm, No Foul..........................What other Skinny Drum stories do we have?

Streetdrummer

Hi,

I didn't read any negativity into your post. The Rogers Book reference is about as substantial a piece of history as we have, thanks for posting that.

I have attached some pics of mine so folks can see how the lugless design combined a soft aluminum socket and significantly harder tensioners. You can also see the wee little throw off, and a banana that is in way better focus than the drum--sorry.

I may have some more info kicking around, will see what I can find.

Patrick

Hi

Here are some patent pics and ads.

Patrick

Glad there is interest in these old Skinny/Satellite Thompson designed snare drum.

Fascinating! Never seen the like! thanks Gary,

Patrick

I have a piece of what might be original ad copy for the skinny drum. Ill get a pic up.