I have both. The Powertone has more punch and volume. Both fine drums that are keepers. Be interested in what you think.

Creighton

You had me at more punch and volume. I'll take it! Oh, wait. I already bought one! Thank goodness for that! I can't wait to get it. It should arrive sometime next week. The seller didn't include a photo of the reso side. It would be a bonus if it has the original wires. Either way, I'm happy. It looks to be in very nice, original condition. The Slingerland COB is great, but I do prefer triple flange hoops, even though they're not COB.

8 lug snares are the new 10 lug. For myself anyway. I really like an 8 lugger. :)

thanks for the info. I'll report back when it arrives next week. Don't you just love when there's a drum in the post on it's way to you?! Excited

I think the tone difference is due to the Rogers has a stiffer shell than the Slingerland, But both are 1st rate snare drums.

I have both and like both. But, there are differences. The Rogers Powertone has always had the same bearing edges. The slingerland GK Sound King had full round-over edges up to about 1970-71, along with aluminum lug backing plates. Those differences certainly give it a "softer" sound. The next generation GK eliminated the backing plates and round-over edges in favor of more "modern" 45-degree edges, giving a different sound from the previous GK.

-mark

Great thread! My GK is first generation.

Creighton

Hi Creighton!

I forgot to mention that there is a short-lived "first generation" GK. The shell is smooth, with no lines around the middle. The decision was made to scribe 3 lines around the shell sometime in 1964 I believe. Simply a cosmetic change, but definitely the shell most of us think of. Based on that, all my GK snare drums are second generation! I really like the round-over edges and aluminum backing plates!

Attached is a catalog picture from the '63 catalog.

-Mark

Hey Mark,

Didn't know that thanks! Makes mine 2nd as well.

Creighton

Mine has the black and brass oval badge and the shell has the lines. I was aware of the "pre-lines" shell. These snare have such a classic look to them. I tune mine kinda low to get that really nice, fat sound from the brass shell. I can't wait to get the Poewrtone snare. I'm hoping it has the original wires. I like those old Rogers wires.

So, I got a parcel in the door today. Finally the Rogers Powetone snare arrived. Really wonderful snare drum! Amazing rim shot and lots of tone. Even when tuned high it doesn't lose that low pitch from the shell. Very happy with it. I took the whole thing apart and cleaned it and put it back together and set up the wires a bit better. It has the original Rogers snare wires and the original white string. One of the wires on the snares is a bit funny, but it plays fine. There was some double-sided tape stuck to the felt of the muffler. The last owner had glued an extra piece of felt to the muffler which was annoying. I had to get rid of that and it left a sticky residue on the felt pad. I managed to get rid of most of it. It didn't have the Powertone sticker inside the shell which was a little disappointing, but other than that, it's in great original condition. All original tension rods, hoops, wires, strainer, butt-plate, muffler, the lot. It came with a Emperor snare side and a vintage Premier Everplay coated which I like a lot. I didn't change the heads. It sounds great! Very happy with it. This snare has a very nice look to it too. A real classic!