The Ludwig & Ludwig catalog of 1937 offered a Super -Ludwig Drum outfit consisting of a 14”x28” single tension bass drum, 5”x14” Super-Ludwig snare drum in “Abalone Pearl,” plus various other traps and cymbals, but no ‘separate tension’ tom toms. Slingerland, however, did offer separate tension tom toms in its 1936 (and presumably 1937) catalog in “Abalone Pearl.”
Read moreFaster Still!!!
Faster Still!!!
When a young drummer asks about the best way to develop speed, the usual answer is “practice slowly”. And no, that's not an oxymoron. Your ability to play fast is 100% determined by the amount of control you have over your limbs. And the best way to develop control is through … wait for it … slow, regular, mindful practice.
Japan's Ode To Slingerland by Marc Patch
In the beginning of Japan’s rise of drum making in the early 60’s all of the major manufacturers in one form or another used Slingerland’s styling in the making of their own drums. Some of these companies were simply inspired and a few crossed the line into infringement, either way Slingerland just let it happen
Read moreThe Leedy and Ludwig 4.5” x 14” Broadway New Era Snare Drum
In 2010, I purchased a 4.5 x 14 White Marine Pearl Broadway New Era snare drum from Soul Drums in Toronto. Over the course of time, I traded the drum to Century Drums, previously located in Toronto, for another drum. I regretted that decision and kept my eye out for a chance to buy another one. Luckily just last year, Soul Drums had another 4.5 x 14 Broadway New Era snare only this time in Red Sparkle finish. I’m not parting with this one.
Read moreFrom The Editor
Another notice that I have put Not So Modern Drummer Magazine up for sale. If you are an interested party please email me at George@notsomoderndrummer.com for details. I bought a private island and will be retiring there. There’s a drum set on it.
John Crocken announces that the winner of his Speed-A-Beat bass drum pedal attachment was Alan Pollard of Flower Mound, TX. Congratulations Alan! To check out John’s Speed-A-Beat, go to this DrumSellers listing
Joel Rothman, probably the most prolific writer of drum instruction books, is offering a free book to anyone who would like to have it. His “Rock Breaks in a 12/8 Feel: is free to anyone who wants it as a pdf download. It is no longer available in print. Email Joel at joelrothmanpublications@gmail.com. Include your email address so he can email you the pdf. Also visit www.JoelRothman.com to see the 100+ drum books he has written.
And that is all the news from Lake Woebegone.
Lucas Jacobson passes. inventor of the DW9000 pedal and the Quik Torque Bass Pedal Cam
My friend and fellow drummer, Lucas Jacobson, died on March 21st at the age of 66.
Read moreFotos N Funnies
“See you in the funny papers”
Read moreJazz Brushes for the Modern Drummer - Reviewing Tradition and Playing Good Time
You may ask, “Ulysses what if I don’t play gigs requiring brushes?”
I believe for any musician who plays the drums, it doesn’t matter. Learning the brushes is part of your due diligence on the drum kit.
Read moreFarris Coursey, Nashville’s First “A” Team Drummer
I am ashamed to admit it, but even as an amateur history buff, I wasn’t familiar with Farris. That all changed a few years ago with the purchase of an early 1960’s Rogers drum set that Farris owned and played. I will attempt to tell his story now as best as I can.
Read moreMike Curotto's Medium Rare Drums Placeholder
Placeholder for Mike’s 2/29/24 article
Read more1954 Leedy & Ludwig 6.5"x14" Dance Model Snare Drum
Here is a great example of a 1954 Leedy & Ludwig 6.5”x14” Dance Model snare drum in white marine pearl finish in outstanding condition without any blemishes.
Read moreFrom Editor George Lawrence
NEW mid monthly newsletter of DrumSellers listings and other classified info launching in March
My new Dave Garibaldi Signature Snare
I’m Looking for Leedy 30s Broadway Standard COB hoops
New cartoon and funny pics blog post
Yamaha Dave Garibaldi Signature Snare Drum
I have wanted this drum for a long time but they became increasingly hard to find after they were discontinued.
Read moreJapanese Stencil Drums Primer
Almost all of the stencil drums in the 60’s & 70’s came out of five factories in Japan. Today we can tell most of the time which factory made what, because each factory made almost all of their own distinct parts. - Marc Patch
Read moreGreat video and wiki on how to clean cymbals B8 and B20 cymbals
Mostly about cleaning Paiste cymbals but applies to Zildjian, Sabian, Meinl, B8 and B20 cymbals as well.
Read more1970s Ludwig Stainless Steel Set Built in 2024!
I started to conceptualize this many years ago following a glimpse of a SS Ludwig Timp-Tom trio set.
After making a trade with a fellow drummer and friend for a beautiful original set of Timps recently in 14”, 16” & 18” I got to work
Time Capsule Pearl Valencia Kit
Valencia drums were Pearl’s lower-priced kit during the 1960’s; similar to Ludwig’s Club Date and Slingerland’s Stage Band outfits. These drums were traded in at the Memphis Drum Shop several years ago by the original owner. They were purchased new in Japan while the owner was stationed there in the service.
Read moreTim Griffin: The Futurist – Part 2, The Inventions
“Bill III and his Dad had been working with my company for nine months on my design of the FIRST digital drum set in the world (not analog). Selmer squelched the deal (Not Bill senior or III). The unit was to have Ludwig endorsee recordings as parts of the set settings.”
Read more1958 Super Ludwig Snare Drum
I was very fortunate to be able to buy this drum from a new friend, Bob Campbell, who lives in the US. I had been looking for this drum for years.
Read moreCymbal & Snare Rock Beats in 5/8 Time
Some of you may disagree, but to my mind playing time behind a drum set, whether it be rock, jazz, latin, or any other genre of music has to do mainly with the cymbals and snare.
Read more