I have a set of 59 Slingerland GK's, it's my first and only set and I am wanting to buy a second set simply because I have the room and think it would be fun. I love the way the Slingerlands sound (22, 13, 16) but it wouldn't make too much sense to buy another one just like it so....I am leaning towards a 60's Ludwig set in BDP in the same sizes. What differences in tonal qualities, sustain, fundamental pitch, etc could I expect? I also noticed on my Slingerlands that it's futile to try to tune to a certain tone or interval. Each drum seems to have a very narrow sweet spot that sounds fantastic and as soon as you stray outside that range it just sounds bad. Are Ludwigs (or most/all drums like this?) I've looked at newer DW's and Yamahas as a second kit but they just don't make me want to sit down and play, no mojo I guess. Thanks!!!
59 Slingys vs 60's Ludwig?? Last viewed: 45 minutes ago
Although I much prefer the vintage Ludwig sound, there really isn't much air between the sound of a good Luddy kit and a good Slingy kit of the same sizes. If you're going for a second kit, you might want to consider a set of Cleveland Rogers drums, or (if budget allows,) a set of Oaklawn Camco's. Choosing either one of those as your second vintage drum purchase will give you some variety sound wise in your kits. Rogers or Camco and Slingy's are very different sounding drum kits. I like variety myself, gives me more choices and it's nice to switch up once-in-awhile just to break up the monotony. I know when I switch out my kits, the different sound of the kit lights my fire and makes practice sessions something I look forward to. When I get bored with that, switch them again and bingo, fresh sound and motivation to play. Maybe that's just me though.
John
+1 to John's advice. The only (very minor) point I could add is ...
There is a pretty good difference between late 50s Slingy and early to mid70s THREE ply Slingy and Ludwig shells. Both companies really changed the 3 ply build and improved the shells and edges quite a bit. They also switched to a Maple/Poplar/Maple build which is considerably different from the African Mahogany of old. That, along with some excellent edge mods gave the drums a very different presence.
BUT, Purdie is correct ... if you really want a difference ... check out a sweet Rogers or Camco kit. Man oh man ... wow!
That's a great suggestion, I never really thought about Rogers. Didn't the Cleveland era drums have the lugs that always cracked though?
The Bread & Butter lugs, yes. Beavertails, no. You'll find 60's Rogers kits with either/or on them. Go for a kit with Beavertails. You need a sledgehammer to break those!
John
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