The 1930s was a booming time and huge success for the “big three” American Drum Manufacturers.
The Slingerland drum company was in their Zenith as they were producing Radio King snare drums and drum sets 24/7. They were catapulted in popularity by endorser, “Ace Drummer Man”, Gene Krupa. His bombastic jazz drumming exploded on the scene. Krupa’s flamboyant playing style attributed to this great phenomenon. Also, Krupa played a major role on what snare drum models would be produced by both Ludwig & Ludwig and Leedy drum companies.
The Ludwig and Leedy Drum Companies were purchased and consolidated by the C.G.Conn Company in 1929. They were relocated to Elkhart Indiana and manufactured in the same building. In the following years, both companies would produce some of the most beautiful and iconic snare drum models ever made.
In 1938, the Leedy Drum Company continued to produce their “work horse” Broadway Snare drum model. This Broadway Standard model was Slingerland’s main competition to the Radio King snare drum. These Broadway models were available in various finishes. They were offered in both wood and metal shell construction. Both shell designs were available in two sizes, 5x14” and 6.5x14”. Leedy offered the drum consumer many ornate finishes, as well as special metal shell engraving and hardware plating. The Leedy rims could be ordered standard or with a very ornate engraved design.
Here is a great example of a 1938 Leedy Broadway Standard in white marine pearl. Leedy only offered this unique 4-point strainer on these models for one year. This snare was special ordered with ornate engraved rims. All hardware was ordered and upgraded to the optional chrome plating. Chrome plating was more expensive than nickel for the upgrade.
Here are the details:
Shell construction: - The shell is “6.5x14” 1-ply solid maple shell with reinforcing rings. This Leedy snare drum has a date, ink stamped inside the shell 3811, which indicates it was made November, 1938.
The inside shell is factory painted white to protect the shell. The Leedy “free floating Shell” design allowed for easy head fitting and tuning- you could practically spin a head on the batter and snare side of the shell.
Lugs: - The cast chrome lug design is the “X” or “box lug” variety. These lugs are beautifully crafted with an art deco vibe. Internal springs support the receiving nut to insure smooth self-alignment for the tension rods.
Hoops : - are chrome over brass, very ornate double flanged rims with the “fish” design engraving. The snare side hoop has a flanged gate. The bottom hoop has the Broadway Standard name stamped into the hoop.
Tension Rods: The Leedy Company supplied 10/24” tension rods with square head design. These are three inches in length. Many American drum companies during this era utilized 12/24” thread, as this was the industry standard, and still is. The finer thread, 10/24” tension rod and size was Leedy’s unique design for accurate tensioning and precision tuning. This special size would be utilized on all Leedy drums until 1939-40.
Strainer system: This drum is equipped with a rare four-point throw-off. This was the exceptional four point-Speedway style strainer 2nd and 3rd generation offered in the later 1930s era. These throw offs can only be found on very few Broadway Models. Also, this style strainer functions exceptionally smooth. The earlier Speedways-had some unfortunate malfunctions with hard throw off and on motion.
This throw-off is equipped with a long-arm design extension handle. The throw arm and complete design functions very well, with a smooth, positive on and off snare positioning.
Tone Control: The spring loaded tone control/muffler is a simple but effective design. Leedy offered this muffler as an order option on all of their top of the line drums. During this significant “Jazz era” many drummers preferred this option to control unwanted overtones.
The tone control is almost identical to the Ludwig & Ludwig design. This was because of both drum manufacturers sharing designs and parts made in the same building. All remaining hardware is finished off In brilliant chrome plating.
Finish:-The wrap is the ever so popular, vintage “white marine pearl”that has a beautiful Geometric Design.
This Leedy 1938 Broadway Snare drum is a true testament to Leedy’s commitment on producing excellent quality drums and craftsmanship. This Snare is the epitome of the Ornate, Art Deco, 1930s era of manufacturing.. This 6.5x14” Broadway Standard Model is a unique example that has the Rare, 4- point Speedway style Throw-Off.
This Broadway standard model is highly sought after by vintage drum players and collectors for it’s beautiful craftsmanship, rare 4-point strainer and awesome sound tonality.