As collectors and players of vintage drums we sometimes find a very rare and unusual example of a historical vintage drum anomaly. Drum anomalies are deviations from the norm or the expected catalog standard. These drums are seldom found but, just after thinking we may have seen it all, a new discovery takes place.
After the C.G.Conn company decided to combine the Leedy and Ludwig & Ludwig drum companies, all of the drum shells, parts and hardware were located under one factory. As a result, they produced and manufactured a series of snare drums and drum sets that were a combination of Leedy and Ludwig & Ludwig components.
There are several variations of interesting snare drums and drum sets produced from this time period that were very unusual. One example of this is the “Broadway Standard” model that was made using a leftover 1930s Ludwig & Ludwig 6.5”x14” solid, one ply, maple shell. This snare was equipped with a combination of eight Ludwig Imperial center lugs, early Ludwig & Ludwig’s P-338 throw-off and Leedy’s butt plate. The finish used was oriental white marine pearl. Sometimes the factory workers used either Leedy full flanged rims and or Ludwig & Ludwig full flanged nickel or chrome over brass rims. They even used a combination of one Leedy rim and one Ludwig rim.
Ultimately, the Leedy & Ludwig Companies goal was to use up any and all remaining old stock and consolidate every last drum shell and part. However, there were a few exceptional snare drums and single drums left over from both drum divisions that were assembled before this merger. These rare drums were probably left on back shelves, tucked away and were unaccounted inventory before being identified and used by factory workers. They were sold with the Leedy & Ludwig badge and logo.
This drum is a leftover 1930s Leedy 6.5”x14”, “Broadway Parallel”. The finish is blue and silver Duco, and is equipped with a solid, 1-ply maple shell.
What makes this snare drum so unique is the distinction of specific Leedy & Ludwig extra add ons. First, the inside of this shell was painted a unique silver color at the factory. 1930s Leedy Duco snare drums were almost always produced with a natural wood finish on the inside shell. Most pearl and sparkling pearl finishes would have been painted white on the inside shell.
Also, there is a clear date ink stamped on top of the unique silver paint showing 5202; February 1952.
Here are the intricate details:
Shell construction: - The shell is 6.5x14” 1-ply solid maple shell with reinforcing rings.
The inside shell is Leedy & Ludwig’s factory painted unique silver to protect the shell. This is a 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 nickel 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 nickel over brass, very ornate double flanged rims with the “fish” design engraving. The top hoop has “Leedy Elkhart” stamped into it. The snare side hoop has a 1-1/4” open snare gate. Also this snare side hoop has the “Broadway Parallel” name stamped into the hoop.
Tension Rods are 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.
Strainer system: This drum is equipped with a rare Parallel throw-off. This was the exceptional 2nd generation offered in the later 1930s era. The Parallel strainer was offered on top of the line Broadway Models.
This throw-off is equipped with a long-arm design, one piece extension . 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 Leedy 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 polished nickel plating.
Snare wires - The snare wires installed are the cat gut variety that are tension adjustable. You can adjust each individual snare using a screw driver to dial in the correct tension.
After seventy plus years, we collectors are still uncovering unique drum anomalies from Leedy & Ludwig.