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40s Leedy Broadway Standard Snare Questions

Posts: 91 Threads: 23

Hey guys,

I am thrilled to announce that I picked up what I think is a 40s 6 1/2 x 14 Leedy Broadway Standard snare drum for $22 at a local auction today. It's a metal shell, with what appears to be nickel hardware, but I'm not sure. It came with an old case and super flimsy stand that I wouldn't dare use.

The drum has some issues:

1. The strainer area of the shell is dented in slightly, but the strainer still functions. The metal snare wires are old, but intact, and secured with what appears to be gut.

2. The badge is missing. However, the rims are stamped "Leedy, Elkhart, Indiana", and BROADWAY Standard, and all lugs are matching.

3. The rims have a couple little tweaks to them, but nothing too terrible.

Here are my questions:

1. How much do you think these issues detract from the playability of the drum? Obviously they lower the value, but I figure I still did ok on it. I played it as is. To my ear, it sounds great and responds well. It has older Weather King Ambassador heads on both sides, in good shape.

2. What kind of metal do you think the shell and hardware are made of?

3. Some numb skull tried to polish it and got compound everywhere. In order to get it looking it's best, I'll have to disassemble everything and clean it up. I've never disassembled a drum completely before. Anything to look out for / keep in mind when doing so?

Sorry for the long post, but there's a lot that's new to me here. Anything you could tell me about this drum would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Jon

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Bottom Rim.jpg
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Case.jpg
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Early 70's Slingerland 4 piece
1978/76 Ludwig Vistalite 6 piece "Pro-Beat" Clear
Modern Ludwig Keystone 4 piece - Psychedelic Red
Early 80s Tama Imperialstar 6 piece- **Snare Wanted!**
Late 60's / Early 70's Zildjians
Posted on 11 years ago
#1
Posts: 9005 Threads: 266

Hi Jon - 1st. You scored Big-Time! That drum can fetch near a grand +- on a bad day!

2. Stripping off the hardware is a 2 on a difficulty scale of 1 to 10. It's just another way of saying, don't be intimidated by the job, it's relatively easy.

3. The dent by the strainer can be tapped out from the inside with a rubber mallet. Place the shell on a flat surface and on top of a towel or something to protect the finish, make sure the dent is facing down/6 o'clock. Then gently begin tapping the highest point of the dent with the rubber mallet. When it's nice and even with the rest of shell, you're done.

4. That shell is 'most likely' chrome over brass. It's heavy isn't it?

5. Any quality metal polish will do the trick restoring the shell, lugs, & hoops. You might have to soak the tension rods in a mild solution of Dawn dish soap and warm water overnight to get the rust off. There's a hundred good ways to eliminate the rust. I'm sure some other guys will chime in with suggestions.

It's a real beauty! May have even been a presentation drum judging from the shadow of what looks like a small plaque on the drum. Clean it up, and enjoy it. That drum was meant to be played!

Great score cowboy! You really out did yourself with that buy! $20. for a $1000. snare drum? I'll buy ten of those a day every day!

John

Too many great drums to list here!

http://www.walbergandauge.com/VintageVenue.htm
Posted on 11 years ago
#2
Posts: 6524 Threads: 37

Take the strainer off before hammering the dent.

It`s a drum,.....Hit It !!

.....76/#XK9207 Phonic Sound Machine D454/D-505 snares !i
Posted on 11 years ago
#3
Posts: 1867 Threads: 179

Great find.

I think the stand is a "Marvel" by Leedy.

I have one and it is stronger than one might think.

I love these older stands.....now.

When i was a kid, I thought they were lame.

Now i think they are old, cool and great.

Make sure the bolts and wing nuts are in good shape.

I put an 8 x 14 SN on mine to test it.

Pretty solid.

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BLAEMIRE DRUMS
Thanks to Mr. Jerry Jenkins
Posted on 11 years ago
#4
Posts: 91 Threads: 23

Green Glass Drum,

The reason I'm scared to put a drum on it is because I had a US Mercury stand pretty similar to this collapse on me when it was holding my aluminum slingerland snare, and almost dumped it on the ground. Ever since then, anything remotely resembling that style stand has been met with much trepidation.

Also, I tightened all the nuts on it, and the tilt mechanism still rocked back and forth alarmingly. I think something must be worn. Either way, it's a nice collectable to have.

-Jon

Early 70's Slingerland 4 piece
1978/76 Ludwig Vistalite 6 piece "Pro-Beat" Clear
Modern Ludwig Keystone 4 piece - Psychedelic Red
Early 80s Tama Imperialstar 6 piece- **Snare Wanted!**
Late 60's / Early 70's Zildjians
Posted on 11 years ago
#5
Posts: 1867 Threads: 179

I here ya bro.

Now back to that cool snare.

It will be awesome when restored.

Keep us posted on progress.

BTW clamp on Marvel has a spread of 3/8", when opened.

2 spacer washers and a big knarly wing nut on a 1/4-20 Carriage bolt.

sa

BLAEMIRE DRUMS
Thanks to Mr. Jerry Jenkins
Posted on 11 years ago
#6
Posts: 10714 Threads: 579

Jon, the snare stand may seem lightweight too you but it is more than up to the task of holding your drum up. I use one on my Leedy Broadway standard, Also I am a hard hitter, Your shell material is brass, as you have been instructed remove the strainer first before you attempt to knock the dent out of the shell. You have a real keeper here very rare and desirable size.. Simichrome metal polish is top notch, the best that I have found for metal cleaning. https://www.google.com/search?q=simichrome+polish&rlz=1C1CHFX_enUS523US523&oq=simichrome+polish&aqs=chrome.0.69i57j0l3j69i60l2.4346j0&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#q=simichrome+polish&rlz=1C1CHFX_enUS523US523&source=univ&tbm=shop&tbo=u&sa=X&ei=yMv1UeXHA4PE9gTg-4CYDA&ved=0CEkQsxg&bav=on.2,or.r_cp.r_qf.&bvm=bv.49784469%2Cd.eWU%2Cpv.xjs.s.en_US.MpiVkF51mpA.O&fp=bfcf436f09154b7b&biw=1366&bih=643

Your drummers not much good is he!? What you need is someone that's as good as me. ! John Henry Bonham !!
Posted on 11 years ago
#7
Posts: 91 Threads: 23

Thanks a lot guys! This is awesome. I almost didn't go out to the auction today because I figured the drum would go for more than I could afford. I'm so glad I got it. I had no idea it was such a desireable drum when I got it. I'll be sure to take good care of it. I have no doubt I'll have more questions for you guys as I move along.

Early 70's Slingerland 4 piece
1978/76 Ludwig Vistalite 6 piece "Pro-Beat" Clear
Modern Ludwig Keystone 4 piece - Psychedelic Red
Early 80s Tama Imperialstar 6 piece- **Snare Wanted!**
Late 60's / Early 70's Zildjians
Posted on 11 years ago
#8
Posts: 91 Threads: 23

I looked at the stand again and it turns out I had it setup wrong. One of the clamps was turned around the wrong way. Now it's much better. I'm glad to hear simichrome works well, as I have a tube I have used for my chrome kitchen appliances.

-Jon

Early 70's Slingerland 4 piece
1978/76 Ludwig Vistalite 6 piece "Pro-Beat" Clear
Modern Ludwig Keystone 4 piece - Psychedelic Red
Early 80s Tama Imperialstar 6 piece- **Snare Wanted!**
Late 60's / Early 70's Zildjians
Posted on 11 years ago
#9
Posts: 10714 Threads: 579

Good news on two fronts, Just a heads up don't ever use steel wool on this drum or on any of the metal parts ok !?

Your drummers not much good is he!? What you need is someone that's as good as me. ! John Henry Bonham !!
Posted on 11 years ago
#10
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