Every now and then a vintage Japanese kit comes on the market with one of the “fun” wraps. For Star made drums, that would be: the Pearl Fantasia, or the Lava Pearl, or the Peacock Pearl, or what I have today, the Fibre Gold.

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.”

I'm an architect and custom builder and have a difficult time restoring stuff.  I have to customize everything and make it express my individuality.  For instance, my daily driver is a  hot rod 1952 Willys pick up truck with a custom extended cab and a fuel injected 454.

Like so many collectors, I regularly look through DrumSellers, Reverb, Ebay, Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace for vintage drums and cymbals. Early last summer, I came across a 1969-70 Slingerland Duet set in Green Sparkle (actually glass glitter), offered by someone who lived out near Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.

My problem is that I have read that the Pioneer also had 8 lugs, and I don’t know the difference between a Standard, Pioneer, and a Universal.

Hi, are you able to tell me anything about a brass snare drum I have, its marked 'KITCHEN & Co.MAKERS,LEEDS. 4 80'.

I just purchased a rare snare drum from Olympic Drums in Portland Oregon. It's a WMP, 5x14, 1929 Ludwig & Ludwig New Era wood snare drum.

Hello, A couple of years ago I recorded to rope drums made by Captain Stephen Emory and posted it on YouTube. Please feel free to use it in your web presentation. It’s about as true and authentic presentation as we could muster. Hope you enjoy. Peter Emerick.

A book I wrote on the Ludwig Line of bass drum pedals exists for one reason. I ran out of room!

These are a few of my canister thrones. I have had most of them for many years. I have always used them on every set I own - they all match the finish of a set. All drums and snares match making very complete vintage drum sets.

Roger recalls being approached by, ex Animals bassist, Chas Chandler asking " Would you guys mind giving up your middle set tonight? " for a new act. After clearing it with the club`s manager and confirmation that they would still be paid in full for the night, Roger and the band also agreed to loan their backline and drum kit. Enter the recently formed Jimi Hendrix Experience who, after recording their first single `Hey Joe` only two days prior, were about to perform their British debut showcase gig!

In trying to determine whether the Buescher Company also did drums among their band instruments, I came across your post/article on a Buescher drum, confirming for me that they did in fact make (or at least distribute) drums as well.

At that time, the Allman Brothers Band was the archetype. We decided to try the double drum sets, which worked out really well. To play double sets requires a lot of intuition and acute listening, as well as a solid assessment of each player’s strengths and weaknesses. I had studied snare drum with a noted classical percussionist, so the double stroke press rolls and the fancy things were mine. Bob had a very organic approach, so I usually had him lay down the floor and I danced around it, but always trying to keep it unified. There is some forethought involved. You have to pre-decide who fills where and when so that you don’t over crowd the aural bandwidth. When done tastefully, having two drummers allows for great shading and dynamics and also looks great on stage.

It's constructed of brass in the old school 1920s Ludwig style soldered at the center bead. The bearing edges are also soldered back to the shell as in the 1920s Ludwigs. It's plated in 24k gold.

I read that Leedy made these from the 30's into the 50's for Montgomery Ward. The tom is stamped 5012 inside ( December 1950? )
Any insight would be appreciated.

my Rogers Mardi Gras 3ply set c.1960 in 20, 12, 14 and [not shown] 5x14 snare drum. NO cracked lugs. The snare drum shown is by Adrian Kirchler [AK Drums and is the 7x14, 2 piece brass 24k gold plated Bob Meyer model made in 2012.I have Gretsch RB and Camco sets in the coveted jazz sizes, but this is my very favorite kit to play. the toms are so pure in tone. the bass drum so deep and warm. and of course looking at it is pure joy!

Recently a client of mine gave me a 100 year old F.E. Dodge drum kit that was in their attic that belonged to a relative. Knowing I am a drummer they gave it to me to see it would go to someone who would appreciate it. The kit included a bass drum with an almost mint wooden pedal & bass drum cymbal, two snares, snare stand dated 1901, a triangle and even three original pairs of drum sticks: wood, rosewood & ebony wood. The snares on one snare drum were the original cat guts.

My project started with a bunch of Ludwig drums and assorted cymbals I bought from a guy going the digital route. Beneath the grime and stickers were a partial club date kit, 14" and 16" WMP  B/O toms, and a super sensitive snare.

This is a Lyon and Healy early 1900s Antique Military snare drum that dates to around 1909. This drum began its journey in Chicago - manufactured at the Lyon and Healy factory & salesroom located 213, 214, and 217 South Canal Street on the corner of State & Monroe back in the day per label inside the drum shell. 

The first working snare release with a lever mechanism was patented in 1889. The invention was that of Ellwood E. Fry of Brooklyn, New York

My brother , Darrell Cadieux (above)  who is an accomplished jazz drummer and art collector should be floored by this piece I had made for him by a world class glass blower. The heads are hand blown glass in the artist's famous tortoise shell design. An LED light was mounted inside and gives the piece a beautiful radiance. The piece was made by Jeff Burnette of Vancouver B.C.

This is the 1956 mahogany shell Ludwig Super Classic finished in black diamond pearl that was used by Andy White on the very first Beatles record

The company Jasper Wood closed down in 2003.  Because they had been primarily an office-furniture manufacturer they were forced out of business by the importation of cheap products… we’re all guilty here!

Something different!