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Slingerland Q's - Bubbles, Separation Last viewed: 1 hour ago

Posts: 7 Threads: 1

Hello! I've been reading your site for the last few days and enjoying it very much. Never knew about vintage kits and have learned a lot going through old posts.

I am close to buying a Slingerland kit from the early 70's. Serial numbers < 100,000, re-rings, assuming 3-ply, silver and black Niles badges. Standard 12/13/16/22 kit with no snare. Good price.

The drums overall seem to be structurally sound, but there are a couple issues I was hoping to get a little feedback on.

First, there are dozens of tiny bubbles under the wrap on each drum. They are hard bubbles that don't move if you press on them. Is that wood/moisture damage or just a bad wrap? Something to be wary about?

Second, a couple of the drums have rough bearing edges with a little bit of separation in the edges or re-rings. Two drums have a visible crack on the inside ply, not deep, but a few inches across. Are those common and repairable or something to shy away from?

As I said the price is good on these and it'd be a players kit for me to see how I like the vintage drums compared to modern. I just wonder if I should jump in to these and clean them up a bit or if these are red flags to stay away.

Thanks!

Posted on 13 years ago
#1
Posts: 7 Threads: 1

I ended up picking up the kit but might have a much more interesting "NOS" score on the way.

Posted on 13 years ago
#2
Posts: 2212 Threads: 95

Let's see some pics

Posted on 13 years ago
#3
Posts: 713 Threads: 76

Yes pics please

Posted on 13 years ago
#4
Posts: 7 Threads: 1

A couple weeks back I bought an early 70's 3-ply Slingerland kit (12, 13, 16, 22) that had quite a bit of wear and tear on them. I'll snap some pics tonight.

Last weekend as I was looking for some cymbals or a snare (got the bug I guess) I came across an entire New Rock Outfit 3-ply kit with all original hardware and Zildjians. Basically purchased and babied like mad. Everything in phenomenal shape. Picked up the snare, cymbals, and hardware...and picking up the rest of the drums and pedals tonight.

Sacrilegious as it may be...the wrap (blue satin flame) might get changed out at some point. I just can't stand those finishes. Either a nice sparkle or possibly a pearl finish.

As I said, never owned any vintage gear before. Owned at least a dozen kits and dozens of cymbals and snares, all modern stuff. The sound in my head is lots of sustain and warmth and the sound of my drums is always ringy and bright.

The beat up old kit has a lot of mojo but definitely has some question marks with a bit of ply separation, dinged up edges, and possibly moisture damage. I'll rip the "new" ones apart tonight but everything else pretty much looks like you walked into a showroom in '75 and blew the dust off the kit in the corner.

Oh and my kid loves having a kit in the house again (obviously these aren't the originals):

[IMG]http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/422255_10151299485260099_654400098_22516725_1787540179_n.jpg[/IMG]

Posted on 13 years ago
#5
Posts: 5356 Threads: 87

My kit sounds like it was in about the same shape (except for the wrap bubbles) as yours. Some ring and ply seperation and rough bearing edges etc..... It was a pretty easy fix with time, glue, clamps and a good cleaning. The wrap is the same color as yours and is a pretty forgiving color. Mine has it's share of scars and flaws but they hide/blend in pretty well once cleaned up.

Glenn.

Not a guru just havin fun with some old dusty drums.
Posted on 13 years ago
#6
Posts: 7 Threads: 1

I don't plan on doing anything to the kit right now and at least for several months. The wrap isn't in perfect condition, lots of scratches as would be expected for a satin finish, but no separation or cracks. It might grow on me...very strange looking.

Amazed at how nice the shells are. Aside from some rough edges and where it looks like there might need to be a bit of wood filler and sanding, they are in great shape.

Even with 20 year old Pinstripes and Ambassador resos from a different kit, the toms are singing. That's the sound in my head. Damn near a sine wave coming off the drums with that amount of purity, warmth, and sustain. I've never used Pinstripes before because everyone talks about how they're dead sounding, but these aren't at all.

The kick drum was missing a couple rods and claws but oddly enough the beat up kit came with a small bag of extras which are the same age, so nice luck there. Otherwise as far as I can tell it's all original down to the leather strap on the kick pedal.

Suppose I can disclose the prices now...

"Players kit" Slingy's were $600 for the 12/13/16/22 and brand new Protection Racket bags.

"Closet Queen" Slingy's were $1000 for the 12/13/16/22 with matching COB snare, all original hardware (two cymbal stands, hihat stand, kick pedal, mounts, etc), 14" New Beats, 16" crash, and 20" ride, and a 90's Iron Cobra.

Flipping the players kit soon as I really don't have the money for both, then set them up and play. Then try and find some 18-20" thin Zildjians as I don't like small cymbals and the 20" is in that no man's land between being too heavy to have a nice wash and crash yet too light to have a nice strong "ping" to it. Hats are beautiful though.

Going to finish setting everything up tonight and snap some pictures.

Posted on 13 years ago
#7
Posts: 917 Threads: 39

great scores!

Posted on 13 years ago
#8
Posts: 7 Threads: 1

As promised, old drums:

[IMG]http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e329/jarick/Drums/IMG_4076.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e329/jarick/Drums/IMG_4073.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e329/jarick/Drums/IMG_4078.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e329/jarick/Drums/IMG_4088.jpg[/IMG]

New drums:

[IMG]http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e329/jarick/Drums/IMG_4091.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e329/jarick/Drums/IMG_4099.jpg[/IMG]

Still cleaning everything up.

Posted on 13 years ago
#9
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