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Amazing Piece of history Last viewed: 6 minutes ago

Posts: 282 Threads: 80

Hello,

I recently picked up this 30's/40's RK kit.

26x14, 13x9, 16x16.

The BD and the toms are not a perfect match but they are the same age and sound great. The Plot thickens.....

The BD came with it's original case. While cleaning the case I found a shipping address on it with the Name Ben Pollack and an address.

I knew who Ben Pollack was and after a bit of digging I figured out a bit about the BD's history.

For those who don't know, Ben Pollack is credited with "Discovering" Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller and a couple other swing era greats.

The address on the case is the old address of the Knickerbocker hotel where Ben Pollack ran the house band in the 50's. After studying some pictures I now believe that this is THE bass drum that Ben played in the movies "The Benny Goodman Story" and "The Glenn Miller Story"

I contacted the the two previous owners of the drum(one in Reno,NV. one in CA.) and they both said the case was the original case and neither one of them knew who Ben Pollack was!

There are a couple issues. The original, short, clip on legs have been replaced with new, longer ones. Both adjustable internal mufflers have been removed.

Please weigh in if anyone has an opinion, I could be wrong.

Thanks!

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1964 Gold Sparkle Round badge 20,12,14
1970 SS Badge, Blue Satin Flame 22,13,16
1962 Tangerine sparkle, Gretsch. 18, 12,14, 5x14
1960's/70's Slingerland 18,12,14 silver sparkle
194? Slingerland "Rolling Bomber" Blue/white Duco 28,13,14,7x14
1940's Radio Kings. 26,13,16 WMP finish
Gretsch Anniversary sparkle 22,13,16, 5.5x14
Posted on 13 years ago
#1
Posts: 1829 Threads: 86

Blimey!!!!

Yeah- I'm THAT guy!!!

Dead dogs like rusty fire hydrants!!!
Posted on 13 years ago
#2
Posts: 62 Threads: 5

From Drums008

The BD came with it's original case. While cleaning the case I found a shipping address on it with the Name Ben Pollack and an address.I knew who Ben Pollack was and after a bit of digging I figured out a bit about the BD's history ... The address on the case is the old address of the Knickerbocker hotel where Ben Pollack ran the house band in the 50's. After studying some pictures I now believe that this is THE bass drum that Ben played in the movies "The Benny Goodman Story" and "The Glenn Miller Story"

It seems you have the history and provenance from the last two owners _ so I see no reason to doubt it ... it's a great story ... and so may feel properly honored to play that drum.

But that is what is so great about getting involved in the vintage drum community _ for it is a real physical tie to the history of drumming and to all of the drummers that have come before us _ both the humble and great.

I know I certainly feel that way about my Radio King snare _ and have often wondered who really owned the drum and the sort of man he was.

The one thing I do know is that he was a careful and conscientious person, someone who really valued what he had _ for he took excellent care of this drum.

The story on how I acquired it is a little bit sadder though.

Ohm

Posted on 13 years ago
#3
Posts: 282 Threads: 80

I totally agree. I learn something with every drum I play.

1964 Gold Sparkle Round badge 20,12,14
1970 SS Badge, Blue Satin Flame 22,13,16
1962 Tangerine sparkle, Gretsch. 18, 12,14, 5x14
1960's/70's Slingerland 18,12,14 silver sparkle
194? Slingerland "Rolling Bomber" Blue/white Duco 28,13,14,7x14
1940's Radio Kings. 26,13,16 WMP finish
Gretsch Anniversary sparkle 22,13,16, 5.5x14
Posted on 13 years ago
#4
Posts: 172 Threads: 39

Very cool! I gig my my RKs and wonder too who may have owned them and what bands they were in. It's part of the great vibe of owning old stuff. Ben Pollack was considered one hell of a drummer himself and I'm pretty sure Ray Bauduc was the drummer when Ben conducted the orchestra out front. I recommend the book "Drummin Men" by Burt Korall. Its a great read that you will constantly refer back to if you enjoy big band drumming history.

Posted on 13 years ago
#5
Posts: 486 Threads: 18

Great post!

I also have an old RK snare from the late 40's, unfortunately the previous owners decimated this work of art. The wrap was removed (who knows when) and one of these idiots tried to refinish the shells...it's what I call "Road Kill"...the good (if there is a good part) is that I have an open slate with this drum. There are several stamps on the interior of the shell that leads me to believe that this was a rental drum in the Chicago area, I've often wondered what tales this drum would tell if only it could talk. The most amazing thing about this drum is the condition of the Maple shell...it is the most perfectly cured piece of Maple that I've ever worked with. Slingy really knew what they were doing, 60+ years and the wood is still getting better...AMAZING!

"Play the drum...don't let it play you" - Max Roach

1968, 1974 & 1984 Rogers Dyna•Sonic COB
1971, 1976 Slingerland GK Sound King
1973 Slingerland Festival
1920's-40's Slingerland (US Military) Field Snares (6)
19?- Ludwig Field Snare (US Marines)
1960's Premier Gold Glitter Student Snare kit
1960's-? MIJ Snares (way-way too many)
Posted on 13 years ago
#6
Guest

From Drums008

Hello,I recently picked up this 30's/40's RK kit.26x14, 13x9, 16x16.The BD and the toms are not a perfect match but they are the same age and sound great. The Plot thickens..... The BD came with it's original case. While cleaning the case I found a shipping address on it with the Name Ben Pollack and an address.I knew who Ben Pollack was and after a bit of digging I figured out a bit about the BD's history.For those who don't know, Ben Pollack is credited with "Discovering" Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller and a couple other swing era greats.The address on the case is the old address of the Knickerbocker hotel where Ben Pollack ran the house band in the 50's. After studying some pictures I now believe that this is THE bass drum that Ben played in the movies "The Benny Goodman Story" and "The Glenn Miller Story"I contacted the the two previous owners of the drum(one in Reno,NV. one in CA.) and they both said the case was the original case and neither one of them knew who Ben Pollack was!There are a couple issues. The original, short, clip on legs have been replaced with new, longer ones. Both adjustable internal mufflers have been removed.Please weigh in if anyone has an opinion, I could be wrong.Thanks!

Wonderful story! I too own a 1940's set (26",13",16") and I couldn't agree more with whoever said that their Radio Kings were a "work of art". A beautiful set you have there. My bass drum also has the streamlined lugs and toms have beavertails......

Do you think the hoops on you bass drum are factory natural? I really like the look of the natural wood against the WMP. I might have to do mine that way since somewhere along the way, whoever owned my bass drum painted the hoops without paying much attention to detail.....

Last year I bought a RK WMP 7X14" snare in excellent condition. On the bottom hoop 20-C-FOX is fox engraved along with some catalogue numbers....Perhaps mine has been in the movies too!

Paul

Posted on 13 years ago
#7
Posts: 282 Threads: 80

From Behindthebeat

Wonderful story! I too own a 1940's set (26",13",16") and I couldn't agree more with whoever said that their Radio Kings were a "work of art". A beautiful set you have there. My bass drum also has the streamlined lugs and toms have beavertails...... Do you think the hoops on you bass drum are factory natural? I really like the look of the natural wood against the WMP. I might have to do mine that way since somewhere along the way, whoever owned my bass drum painted the hoops without paying much attention to detail..... Last year I bought a RK WMP 7X14" snare in excellent condition. On the bottom hoop 20-C-FOX is fox engraved along with some catalogue numbers....Perhaps mine has been in the movies too! Paul

Hello,

I think the natural hoops are original. The pics I found of Ben Pollack playing it look natural (although they are Black and white pics)

I really like the look of the natural hoops and the WMP. Classy:)

1964 Gold Sparkle Round badge 20,12,14
1970 SS Badge, Blue Satin Flame 22,13,16
1962 Tangerine sparkle, Gretsch. 18, 12,14, 5x14
1960's/70's Slingerland 18,12,14 silver sparkle
194? Slingerland "Rolling Bomber" Blue/white Duco 28,13,14,7x14
1940's Radio Kings. 26,13,16 WMP finish
Gretsch Anniversary sparkle 22,13,16, 5.5x14
Posted on 13 years ago
#8
Posts: 357 Threads: 62

That's cool. You now have a great story and an amazing vintage kit. It was simply meant to be.

Gretsch Nitron Glass New Classic 2010 8/10/12/14/16/22
Yamaha Cherry Wood Recording Custom 1987/2005 8/10/12/13/14/16/22
Ludwig Black Diamond Pearl 1966 5x14 S.S./13/16/22
Gretsch wood finish 1959 5x14/13/16/22
Slingerland Radio King Capri Pearl 5x14 Radio King
Gretsch Silver Sparkle Catalina Club Bop 2008 18/14/12/10/5x14
Gretsch Silver Sparkle/Black Stripe Catalina Club Mod kit 22/10/12/16
Posted on 13 years ago
#9
Posts: 285 Threads: 11

Great score... Congratulations!

Here's the snare drum to complete the ensemble... my 1940 Super RK.

This is the first iteration of the clamshell. Before the year was out, Slingerland had redesigned the brackets holding the throw and butt to the shell.

Ron

Posted on 13 years ago
#10
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