here are pics

A really nice looking "Jam Session" kit! No real cons to speak of. Same shells as Niles-built drums EXCEPT for the use of solid oak for the reinforcing hoops. Niles used solid maple. It was just easier and cost effective to use local oak at Shelbyville. Other than the rings and badges, they're the same drums. Of course, being made for only about a year does make them more of a rare commodity!

-Mark

Forgot to mention about the Shelbyville operation in general. There's a nice article on it in the "Slingerland Book". Here's the short version: Bud Slingerland created what was called the Solar Musical Instrument Company in Shelbyville, with the only client being Slingerland. The stockholders were Bud, his sister and mother. Initially, the only item made were mylar drum heads, with custom machinery made by William Connor, who was the "president" of Solar. The drum head business was profitable, but Bud wanted to expand. Besides taking some of the weight off of the Niles plant by making drums, I believe Bud also wanted to make guitars. The bottom line was that it wasn't cost effective to get into guitars and too much money was spent developing the operation. It soon folded. That's pretty much the short version. If I left anything out, I hope others will fill in with more info.

Hope this helps you! Post some more pictures of your drums!

-Mark

Thanks for all the info. I should get them next week.