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Historic Ringling Brothers Circus Drum cleaned up. Last viewed: 39 minutes ago

Posts: 127 Threads: 44

OK here it is cleaned up. I only took the heads off. Polished rims with simi chrome and a soft cloth. Did the same to the lugs in place. Did not remove any screws or bolts. It's all part of the history of the drum.

Strongest thing I used on the shell was Windex.

It has been very interesting tracking down the history of not only this drum but

Ray Floyd who it was designed for and who held down the RB/BB&B gig for over 30 years and Merle Evans who conducted the band for 50 years. After Ray retired the drum ended up as a cocktail table in Rudy Bundy's private train car and so traveled another decade or so with the circus that way. That is why it is in such good shape.

I have also found a couple pictures of him playing it in the 40's.

Posted on 11 years ago
#1
Posts: 127 Threads: 44

Two more views.

Missing the Seal. I may find it yet.

Posted on 11 years ago
#2
Posts: 139 Threads: 1

Bill: beautiful drum with a rich history of entertaining thousands, maybe millions, around the globe! The drum conjures up fond memories of my trip to Madison Square Garden to see RB+BBC in the 60's as a young boy. Chances are, I saw Ray and his favorite drum in action. Might even explain why I became a drummer, and always dreamed of becoming a professional clown.... Thanks for sharing this treasure!

Hugh

1966 Rogers Holidays 8x12, 9x13, 16x16, 14x20, 14x22, with matching 5x14 Powertone in BDP
1967 Rogers Dynasonic in COB
Posted on 11 years ago
#3
Posts: 812 Threads: 53

Really cool drum. I agree with MC57...if this drum could talk! All the places and people it has seen...wow!

Gary G.
1963 Ludwig Gold Sparkle Hollywood Kit
Ludwig Collection: 10 Vintage Snare Drums, 4 Customized Vintage Snare Drums, 4 Vintage Foot Pedals, 1 Single Value Bugle
Posted on 11 years ago
#4
Posts: 1461 Threads: 75

Memories here-i saw R B`s/ B&B`s circus in Madison Sq.Garden in 1955 and i know this drum had an effect on me which has lasted til` this day. I`m with MC57 here in his thoughts, but just a little bit earlier.Wonderful piece of drum history and as we all know-time marches on! Thanks very much for sharing this "historical drum piece" with us Bill and with your great preservation it will live on for many more generations to come.Kudos to Ray Floyd and Merle Evans and a special thank you to "Rudy Bundy`s private train car" which helped the early preservation of this fantastic historical instrument.

Wayne

1967 Rogers Cleveland Champagne Sparkle
20,16,13,13.
1967/68 Rogers Dayton Champagne Sparkle
20,16,13,13.
1966 Rogers cob 7 Line Dynasonic Snare.
1967 Rogers "Humberto Morales" Timbales.
1980 Ludwig B/O badge 14x 6.5 Black Beauty Snare.
1980 Ludwig B/O badge Red Cortex
22,22,18,16,15,14,13.
1988 Sonor "Horst Link" HLD 590 14x8 Bronze Snare
Posted on 11 years ago
#5
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