Premier Olympic Snare Drum Questions

[Donovan Drums]

Hi folks. My first post on this forum.

I have a Premier Olympic snare drum that I am trying to get back into playable condition. The shell appears to be stainless steel (magnet test).

I would like to get a recommendation for a nice set of heads for a beginning drummer. The snare wires look good, 16 strands.

Also, what's the deal on the slotted tension rods? Do you actually use a flat-bladed screwdriver to turn those? I don't see a special key in the places I've looked so far. See pic.

Thanks!

[Trilok_Gurtu]

Originally Posted by Donovan Drums

Hi folks. My first post on this forum.

I have a Premier Olympic snare drum that I am trying to get back into playable condition. The shell appears to be stainless steel (magnet test).

I would like to get a recommendation for a nice set of heads for a beginning drummer. The snare wires look good, 16 strands.

Also, what's the deal on the slotted tension rods? Do you actually use a flat-bladed screwdriver to turn those? I don't see a special key in the places I've looked so far. See pic.

Thanks!

to VDF.

RE: Heads. You can't go wrong with a coated Remo Ambassador for the batter side, and a clear Ambassador for the snare side. If you're a heavy hitter, maybe go with a coated Emperor or Controlled Sound.

RE: Slotted tension rods. Some people use a flat head, or a coin, etc. You can get drum keys for them, online, but they can get pricey.

Many people just swap out the slotted ones for regular tension rods. Saves a lot of hassle, if you don't have a slotted drum key (or feel like buying one). I have a slotted Premier drum key, never to be sold haha.

Cheers

[Donovan Drums]

Originally Posted by Trilok_Gurtu

to VDF.

RE: Heads. You can't go wrong with a coated Remo Ambassador for the batter side, and a clear Ambassador for the snare side. If you're a heavy hitter, maybe go with a coated Emperor or Controlled Sound.

RE: Slotted tension rods. Some people use a flat head, or a coin, etc. You can get drum keys for them, online, but they can get pricey.

Many people just swap out the slotted ones for regular tension rods. Saves a lot of hassle, if you don't have a slotted drum key (or feel like buying one). I have a slotted Premier drum key, never to be sold haha.

Cheers

Thanks for the info!
Looking around I found an Aquarian Texture Coated and an Aquarian Classic Clear snare side on hand.
Should work okay, right?

[Trilok_Gurtu]

Originally Posted by Donovan Drums

Thanks for the info!
Looking around I found an Aquarian Texture Coated and an Aquarian Classic Clear snare side on hand.
Should work okay, right?

For sure, same type of thing. Should work well.

[wayne]

Your going to love that drum whether its a 6 or 8. They have a very dry center and a bell like ring near the edge. I have 2 and just love them. Fortunately for those who don't judge drums by the price tag, these can be had for very little...………...but lets keep it a secret.

[Donovan Drums]

Originally Posted by wayne

Your going to love that drum whether its a 6 or 8. They have a very dry center and a bell like ring near the edge. I have 2 and just love them. Fortunately for those who don't judge drums by the price tag, these can be had for very little...………...but lets keep it a secret.

Do yours have the slotted tension rods?

[jda]

I don't think (...) that drum should have slotted tension rods (reserved for the upper lines) unless it is an early (or Can/UK market) around 69-70 US early. they went with square head in the US mid early 70s -on that line.
Check the Guide catalogs out front

[wayne]

Both my drums are 8 lug, slotted rods, and early 70,s....however, I swapped one of them for square rods just to mix it up. I don't break drum heads, and I kept the slotted rods...….don't ever get rid of yours.

[jda]

slotted-head rods thread remained metric even after rest of set went international
yes/no?

were they metric (slot-head rods) yes or no.

[dukekamaya]

Originally Posted by Donovan Drums

I have a Premier Olympic snare drum that I am trying to get back into playable condition. The shell appears to be stainless steel (magnet test).

Shell is chrome over steel , not stainless