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View Full Version : My New, Late-50s Model Slingerland Snare Drum

somedrummer
05-02-2007, 06:43 AM
So I got my new (well, old) snare drum today via UPS. Late-50's model, Chicago badge Slingerland snare drum. Pulled it out of the box, gave it a few taps before I had to go to school. Didn't sound that impressive. To be fair, it had the ORIGINAL snare side head, which was just a little stretched out, along with the original wires (which it still has, but they're ok).

So I got to my 2 classes which drag along like nothing else, then come home to change the heads. Fortunately I have a spare snare side head laying around, a Remo Diplomat snare (not my first choice, but it's what I had), and a Coated Ambassador for the top (kinda going for the vintage feel). I tune it up a bit before I have to go back to class, and have it sounding ok in my little drum room. Play it in jazz band, thinking "Hey, this thing sounds all right". Take it to my lesson and show my teacher, he just about craps himself. He's very impressed by it and the deal I got for it.

Then after that, and before the other jazz band, I have some time where I'm alone in the band room, and I just let loose! That drum just sings, it's so sensitive, just the tiniest tap gets a great snare sound, and the rimshots are incredible on the single flange rims with the claw hooks. I'm disgusted by how beautiful it is.

Note: These are the eBay photos. I'll upload some with the new heads and maybe some closeups when I have the means.
superbatmat
05-02-2007, 07:30 AM
I want it ! Give me your snare ... ... ... ... ...
SLEEPY BRiGHT EYEZ
05-02-2007, 01:50 PM
That looks great man. I would love to have some more Slingerlands in my collection. I don't think it would hurt to swap that set of snares out. They look a little bent. Just keep the originals in a safe spot somewhere.
somedrummer
05-02-2007, 02:14 PM
That looks great man. I would love to have some more Slingerlands in my collection. I don't think it would hurt to swap that set of snares out. They look a little bent. Just keep the originals in a safe spot somewhere.

Yeah, I think I'm going to when I get a chance to get to a decent music store. Even with them it sounds amazing though. I wonder whether I should replace them with another set of 16's, or go for more wires. I just put some 24 stranders on my other snare, but I would like to keep the same kind of sound it had. Suggestions?
crazyhorse
05-02-2007, 02:47 PM
VERY nice! I've got a 60's (Niles with Black/Bronze badge) snare in the black diamond pearl. Great drums.
Maytridy
05-03-2007, 03:13 AM
Nice! i just picked up a Niles kit, but no snare. I would love to have something like that.
somedrummer
05-03-2007, 03:30 AM
Nice! i just picked up a Niles kit, but no snare. I would love to have something like that.

Yeah man, they're pretty much all over eBay. Fortunately people these days seem to be so into the vintage Ludwig kits that they're going for ridiculously high prices, while the Slingerlands and a few other brands which were made exactly the same way are going for very reasonable prices. For example, I scored this on a buy it now at $235 plus shipping. Perfect condition! Great deal.
crazyhorse
05-03-2007, 03:35 AM
That's a steal.. well done! I know you'll never see mine up on Ebay. lol
somedrummer
05-03-2007, 03:37 AM
That's a steal.. well done! I know you'll never see mine up on Ebay. lol

Yep, and I don't ever plan on selling this one either.
SLEEPY BRiGHT EYEZ
05-03-2007, 08:06 AM
I only have 24s on my snares. I'm not sure if I would like a 16, but I've been eager to try a fatter one (40+?).
jollymosher
05-04-2007, 06:17 AM
Looking good as allways mate. I would put bigger and newer snares on it.
somedrummer
05-04-2007, 06:21 AM
Looking good as allways mate. I would put bigger and newer snares on it.

Yeah, I think I'm just going to go with 20 stranders, to keep that nice open sound. I just hope it still has its amazing sensitivity.