slingerland 70's

[plk1162]

Hi
I'm new to the forum and have been playing drums about 5 years. I'm a middle age mom of a young percussionist and my interest started when I bought him a beginners drumset.
I have been wanting a vintage drumset for awhile now. my brother owned a 67 ludwig once. I liked the sound of it and decided I wanted to try to find something like it for myself.

I have found a Slingerland 70's cordova leatherett used set....He wants 500 dollars!!!. I have no pictures but have researched and checked the badge numbers here. Seems to be 1975. I think its football shaped.

Anyway, it is missing bass hoop, 3 bottoms rims, leg spurs, and bolts to attach toms to mount. Some plies show a little seperation (it has re-rings). Bearing edges are ok, but not great. Wrap still looks good.
What do you think is a fair offer for it? It will cost $150 or so to get replace ment parts I think.
Thanks

[kevins]

Welcome to the Forum!

[Rich K.]

First off...although the cordova finish is pretty rare, like the aztec finishes, it is not desireable and will be a tough re-sale if and when you decide to sell it.
And like most of us that are into vintage drums, there will ALWAYS be another cool set you'll want and sometimes we have to sell stuff we have to buy the next one!
Another thing...those missing parts, although not that hard to find, will set you back some $, and with Slingerlands of that era, missing parts may mean some stripped parts.
I'm a huge fan of the early '70s Slingerlands...just finished cleaning and finding the parts for a new "gigging" set of red tigers and I love 'em.
If I were you, I'd look for a more complete set OR try to get the cordova set for around 3-350. Unless of course you love the look of the cordovas...

[Rob G.]

Having just done up a 1961 Slingerland set missing many of the same things yours is, I'd have to agree with Rich K. 100%. I gave $200 for my set (which was in pieces when I got it,) probably put another $250-$300 in it (stopped counting after a while, but that estimate includes heads and everything ready to get them playing.) Of course, I had to go with chrome over brass rims, which run a bit more than the steel ones you'd need, but I think you could safely look at around $200 for everything you need. I'd think you'd have a hard time getting $700 out of a cordova set, even though they are rare. I'd start with $250 and work up to $350. I'm also a huge fan of the ugly finishes though. Some people wouldn't touch those drums at any price. :D

PS- rering separation is an easy fix. I've had to do it on 75% of the 3-ply Slingerlands I've owned.

[mcjnic]

Welcome.
I agree with what they said. I really don't have anything to add. I was just feeling left out. There are LOTS of nice Slingy kits out there for that area of cash. You will do yourself a favor by waiting for the right one. We will help you find it if you want. Pretty much all of us watch ebay and such and will keep an eye out for you. Take care and let us know what you decide.

[plk1162]

Thank you all for the kind welcome and good advice!
You are right, I'm going to wait for something in better shape to come along. I have a set I can play, so I should be in no rush.
I'm not really in love with the cordova... but I don't mind it either. Whats inside (sound) is more important. I guess I like like almost any color.

I think though, I would like a bass drum with a 20" diameter, so I can have the toms low and level.
I would really appreciate it if you would give me some help shopping for a vintage set.
thanks,
peg

[Jaye]

That's how I started drumming. I was (am) a bass player, and my daughter started drumming 6 years ago. But I had so much fun having a drum set in our living room, I would always jump behind it until one day she said "can you get your own ?" So I did.


You can post in the 'wanted' section here....and also keep an eye on Craigslist and eBay.....

The nice thing about Slingys is, they still tend to go a bit cheaper than equivalent Rogers, Luddys, or Gretschs. It's a strange, silly thing in the market, because vintage Slingys are awesome kits...but that's the way it is....Another brand which also seems to go a tad cheaper is old Premiers...and those are also awesome old kits....

[plk1162]

Hey
I have good news... I'm really happy. I bought the set for 150 dollars and set of zbt's we didn't use anymore. I know I need some parts, but I think I can do it for about 150 or 200, keeping the total price around 350 dollars total.

I'm going to try to attach a picture. Do I use the "manage attachments"

peg

[mcjnic]

Yes. Manage attachments will do it. Keep the image size within the constraints and you'll be set. Looking forward to seeing the haul.

[plk1162]

Here it is.

[norman931]

You done good. Those look very nice!

[mcjnic]

That was a GREAT deal!!! That's something that all of us would love to have stumbled across. Nicely played. Parts are plenty. No worries.

Looks like you need 12,13,16 bottom hoops with tension rods, 22 bass hoop with claws and t-rods, and some heads. Is that correct?

Those are very easy to come by. I would imagine the guys here have everything you need. (knock knock - Mikey? are you home?)

I would even consider NON-original Slingy parts. The hoops are cheap cheap cheap, as are the tension rods. The bass hoop, claws, and t-rods will run you a little bit, though. Not too bad.

Heads are cheap if you purchase them in sets.

Even with the investment on parts, you will still come out WAY under the value of that kit. GREAT job.