Hi George,
Just saw your latest article and thought you might like to see some pics of my drum taken by Bill Quick. I sent some to John Aldridge a few years ago and he gave me some history on the style of this particular drum. It's all original, except for the top head throw off (J.A. made) and the heads.
Below is part of the email John sent regarding the Super Sensitive SD.
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From John, Sept 2008: I enjoyed the two pics of the Ludwig snares with collar hook, single-flanged rims. The wood Super-Sensitive with the decals that resemble inlays is an extremely rare drum. Back in 1985 I sent a picture of my drum like that to William F. Ludwig II and he called to give me some info on it. Those drums were made in 1929 when the Sensitive strainer was introduced. Supposedly, only 29 were made with the decals. Yours makes only the fourth one I've seen in all the years that I've been interested in vintage drums. That one is worth around $1500-$2000 but given your particular genre of playing, I would assume it's more valuable to you as an instrument. Just in case you ever need them, Mike Curotto has reproduced the internal (upper) snares for that strainer.
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I also have another 6.5 x 15 Super Sensitive (all original) with the nickel finish, a Standard Model from the '30's (6 lug, original gut snares) and two Radio King sets (not all complete) that John was very helpful with on info. The interesting thing about the toms is that they have tacked bottom heads.
Please let me know if and when you use the pics and info for your site. Please give photo credit to William Quick.
Best,
Michael W. Bull
Head of Percussion Studies
Setnor School of Music
Rm. 127B, Crouse College
Syracuse University
