From Billy Jeansonne, former publisher and founder of Classic Drummer Magazine

1970s Slingerland New Old Stock WMP Artist Model and WMP Radio King in 2024…

Recently a “drums for sale” post popped up on my Facebook page listed on a drum sellers group. It included two 70s WMP Slingerland kits configured as a Buddy Rich kit (26” BD, 13” TT, and two 16” FTs, and the other, a Gene Krupa kit (24” BD, 13” TT, 18” FT, and a 20” FT).

I am aware that Gene played 16” and 20” floor toms, but this kit had 18” / 20”.

The photos weren’t very detailed in what was included and condition of the drums, but the listing also mentioned two Slingerland snare drums still in the original plastic and the drums had never been played,. and had been stored in cases for many years. The listing also included vintage Zildjian cymbals, canister thrones, era correct hardware for each kit, calfskin heads, and even cases.

There were negative comments about the listing, questioning the authenticity of the drums in the listing.

I jumped at the opportunity, and sent the seller a message with my phone number, telling her that I was very interested in the drums…she contacted me immediately and we had a brief phone conversation. I told her I would think about it and make a decision the following day. The drums were near Houston, Texas and I live in the Atlanta area. I went for it, and boy, am I glad I did.

I drove to Breaux Bridge, La., rented a motel, and finished the drive the following day.

She and her family were the nicest people you could ever meet! We loaded the drums and everything that was included, in my enclosed trailer and headed back to Atlanta. Made it home the following day.The kits were in excellent condition, vintage Zildjian cymbals were included, and then there they were…a NOS 1970s WMP Slingerland Artist model with 1 ply solid maple shell and a NOS 1970s Slingerland Radio King with 3-ply shell, both in the original factory plastic bag.

Both drums were flawless and had been kept in cases for many years. My guess is that the original owner, (she had been donated these drums by a friend of hers years ago), had purchased these drums in the 70s to add to the two Slingerland kits and never took them out of the original plastic.

A third Slingerland kit was included, which had been his personal players kit.

Hope you enjoy the photos and the brief story…you still never know what is still out there! Enjoy the hunt!