Dang!

When I read the heading I thought you were announcing the release of a repro version of this hard to find throw off.

I could use one too. Good luck in your quest.

K.O.!

Double DANG!!! When I saw that you had responded, I said YES! ... maybe he has one! You know, it would almost make sense to do a repro of the Fibes SFT 690 snare release! It's the type of part that a lot of guys need, but very few "spares" are out there!

Tommyp

Sorry to disappoint you. I actually do have one but it's on a drum. I have a second Fibes snare that's missing its SFT though. I put a Ludwig on it but would prefer it to be original.

The other problem is finding snares that will work. Puresound used to make a set for the SFT but I think it was discontinued. I had trouble finding a set but, eventually, did find one for my intact drum.

As I recall Corder and Darwin did use the SFT design so must have had the tooling (or an ample supply of throw offs). Maybe the tooling still exists somewhere. Given the Buddy Rich connection I'd think there would be a market for the COF Fibes snare like Buddy favored if the parts could be repro-ed so it could be worth doing for someone.

I actually bought one on eBay last year. I got lucky maybe. Good luck with your search. One will turn up sooner or later.

Nah ... no disappointments! I was just funnin'! I actually have four Fibes snare drums, and two with the SFT 690. Two have the prototype throw/butt. Three ARE Buddy Rich models, including the one from 1967 and 1973. I have had them in stock before too ... but sold them as I never needed them ... 'till this latest drum that is. I just finished a full restoration on this drum. It's a 1973 Fibes SFT 690 in Black FiVel. Whereas I collect and play all BR sets/drums/hardware, this one caught my eye. The resto came out beautiful! The small "issue" is the original owner way over tensioned the snares and literally busted the SFT .. but .. it is still functioning, but will need to be replaced. I have seen them on eBay myself many times!, but I didn't need one ... then. One will turn up eventually .. and .. I know a few huge Fibes collectors and have requests in with them, so ... I think one will turn up ... eventually! Regarding the wires: TRUE! I have a NIB set of the PureSounds and two sets of OEM Fibes wires, so I'm good there! Again, I play/gig these drums, so you gotta have parts, as I think you both would agree!

Tommyp

Austin Fibes used it too. My 1996 Fibes 6.5x14 has one. Good luck Tommy.

Hi Tommyp!

You might also keep an eye out for a Cannon snare drum, which offered a nice drum with the FST strainer. I picked one up for cheap some years ago, but ended up selling it. Problem is...now others may be looking for them and the price goes up!

-Mark

Dolfan54!

Yes indeed! ... most unfortunately, Tommy hasn't started up again ... in years! A shame, as Austin/Fibes did indeed have the SFT 690 throw. SIGH.

idrum4fun/Mark!

Ah, yes! ... the Cannon snare drum, and you are correct, that is the SFT 690! I haven't seen one in a while though, a Cannon snare drum I mean. That would be a most viable alternative too! I'll just keep an ear/eye open. One may pop up eventually. THANKS for making mention!, and get in touch should you locate one!

Tommyp

Tommyp!

You know I'll be looking for one of these for you! Honestly though, since I acquired mine, I don't believe I've ever seen another. I'm posting the original 3 eBay pictures. As you can see, they were very small and fuzzy! Heck, didn't even show a clear picture of the strainer, although you can see just a bit of the handle sticking up. Purchased it for BIN on a whim (a really low price, but don't recall now what it was) and was very surprised when it arrived, complete with the 690 strainer and original wires! I did strip of the original wrap and covered it in black glass glitter. Looking back, and now knowing what it was, I would have kept the original wrap...complete with the CANNON label!

-Mark