Hello Everyone. I have quite a mystery drum for you all. Before I get to the description, I'll tell you what the note taped to the drum says: "1937 Slingerland Tenor/Tymp." I'm pretty sure it's NOT from 1937, as the short Beavertails didn't come around until 1940, and the badge looks to me to be ca. 1950. Regardless of all that, however, what the H$LL is it? Clearly some sort of marching tenor, heavy chrome Radio King hoop, no snare mechanism, and 12 x 16". Was the chrome metal saucer screwed to the bottom something the factory did? I've never seen another one like it in my life,and I wonder if it needs to be saved for posterity, or if I should try to use it as something more useful (like a mounted tom.) There does appear to be a lower re-ring and it has a lovely mahogany shell. I've only popped the top head, never taken the flying saucer off, so I'm not sure what waits below... Theories? Anyway, thanks in advance for your help. Mookie.[ATTACH][ATTACH]
Mysterious Slingerland Last viewed: 6 hours ago
If you have Slingerland catalogs you will find Tenor Tymps listed in the 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s with the "reflectors" installed on the bottom.
I'd date yours too by the badge and the hardware installed, as you mentioned.....
Killer drum, and a nice piece of history......don't modify it or the Drum Gods will frown upon you.....:):)
Thanks for the info. I don't have any Slingerland catalogs; does anyone out there have anything from the era they could scan? And does it work? Do they sound like tympanis? (I'm gonna guess not really...)
I have a '60s one. I've never been able to get any kind of usable sound out of it. If you can figure out how to make it sound good, let me know!!!
Thanks for the info. I don't have any Slingerland catalogs; does anyone out there have anything from the era they could scan?
Right here: http://www.vintagedrumguide.com/slingerland_catalog_pages.html
Empire State Light and Sound
Here's a badge page. You can compare the badge on your to the ones in the guide here. Looks like the 50-53 version on yours but have a look. http://www.vintagedrumguide.com/drcjw/article_1_badges.html
Very cool drum I've never seen one like it. A keeper for sure just like it is!
Not a guru just havin fun with some old dusty drums.
Fantastic. That's pretty much my girl in the 1951 catalog. Thanks everyone for the help. Not sure what to do with it, but I'll definitely leave it as-is. Cool to see it in the catalog.
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