Hi, Everyone!

I just finished this early 1930's Slingerland Artist drum set. It was quite a fun project. The Black Diamond Pearl trap table and temple blocks were added by me later and are not Slingerland. This is the first pearl covered table I have encountered, although I know of a few others in various colors.

The 5x14 snare drum is a Tone Flange model, which features a "hubcap" shaped metal ring that rests on top of the bearing edge. It was designed to help projection and to eliminate overtones. Similar to banjo technology. After all, Slingerland was originally called the "Slingerland Banjo and Drum Company" in the 1920's and early 1930's. The snare drum shell is unusual in that it is a three ply model. Most were solid mahogany or maple. Perhaps that was in short supply, so a plywood shell was used instead. Just a theory but I've never seen one like this before.

As far as I can determine, the painted head is a factory painting. I have seen the exact design in the catalogs. Unlike Leedy or Ludwig & Ludwig, Slingerland's artists were not very good by comparison. I hope you enjoy the photos!