The push buttons got phased out around 1967, The reason their a pain is the compression spring that holds the tension inside the leg casing gets over compressed over time and while playing the floor tom starts sliding down the legs, You can stretch the springs back out, Sometimes it will work and sometime not. I alway just replace them with t handle mount, the hole spacing is the same on both push button and t handle mounts. and yes to your last question.

Agreed. Just for the sake of accuracy DrCJW states that straight legs with push buttons were used from '58-'65. Straight legs with wing nuts from '66-early '68 then angled legs with wing nuts. Info available here and on the VDG.

I had a 1958/59 Slingerland kit with push-button floor tom leg brackets. So, I'll do my best to answer your questions as accurately as I can.

1) It is my understanding that the push-button brackets appeared in the mid-to-late 50s and disappeared in the early-to-mid-60s.

2) I didn't hate mine, but I had a little trouble with mine rattling and slipping at first. I packed the brackets with felt and they held great. The rattles didn't go away immediately, but ultimately did go away. A stiffer spring would probably help prevent slippage as well. Here is a link to a thread I started when I had this issue: http://www.vintagedrumforum.com/showthread.php?t=27396&page=3. Don't be afraid to buy a kit with these brackets. You can fix any problems they may give you.

3) I can't say for sure, but I believe the older wing screw type brackets have the same hole spacing. See the comments in the link above. So, if you have problems with push-button brackets, this could be your solution.

4) I can't speak with any first-hand knowledge on this question, but I believe all set-o-matic toms had a center hole drilled at the mount bracket location. I'm sure others here can speak on this subject with more knowledge than I can.

Good luck!

Lynn

Sorry for the redundancy. The others got to your question while I was pecking away at my keyboard. ;)

Lynn

I've had mid-60's Slingerland drums that had the push-button legs on the floor toms. While they looked cool, they never held very well! Replacement brackets, with T bolts, can get pricey, especially on eBay. I suggest new reproductions from Maxwell Drums at only $25 each!

Here's a picture of my 1967 Slingerland kit, with both 14x14 and 16x16 floor toms. Original T-bolt brackets with straight smooth legs.

-Mark

Wow, you folks are great! I was offline for just a bit over an hour and came back to find several detailed responses! Very helpful. I wish I had asked these questions in the first place rather than trying in vain to zoom in on the catalog photos! Woulda saved myself a lot of time. Thanks!