I recently purchased a fully reconditioned Ludwig & Ludwig Stipelgold Standard Professional model snare drum. I purchased it from Bill Wanser at Olympic Drums in Portland Oregon who did an amazing job refinishing it. It is a beautiful example of the rare Stipelgold finish offered by Ludwig & Ludwig in their 1926 catalogue. You could also purchase the snare along with the bass drum as an outfit. Stipelgold is a coarse, textured finish with a yellow hue. The unique badge indicates Genuine Stipelgold above Ludwig & Ludwig.
Specifications
5 x 14 solid mahogany shell with Stipelgold finish that was restored
deluxe hardware was cleaned and lightly re-lacquered to restore and protect its gold color
10 tube lugs
tube lugs, rims, tension rods, throw-off, and butt plate are original
throw-off lever was repaired by previous owner
tension rod washers are not original
Danny Bilan – Our Man in Canada
Danny Bilan is a well known Canadian rock & blues drummer from Toronto who entered the Canadian music scene in 1974. Danny spent the next 21 years recording and touring with numerous Canadian bands.
The first vintage drum he owned was a 1940’s Slingerland Radio King snare drum that was given to him in 1977. He fell in love with the art and craftsmanship that is so unique for each and every vintage drum.
In 1995 Danny returned to school to become a Social Worker. Shortly after that, he switched his focus from buying newer drums to building a substantial collection of vintage snares, some of which are quite rare. This has allowed him to stay involved in music and create a collection that he will pass onto his sons who are also drummers. Most of Danny’s collection is Ludwig and Slingerland.
Danny also creates drum lighting, furniture and clocks by turning various drums and cymbals, new and old, into uniquely decorative yet practical pieces of art.