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Torn between two Slingy snares...

Posts: 268 Threads: 44

Hi all,

Which one would you prefer? The red sparkle is a six-lugger 5x14 from January 1966, Niles badge, with re-rings and a rapid strainer, listed at $100 plus shipping. Interior wood looks great. I'm assuming this to be a student model.

The chrome over wood is a 6.5x14 with a Zoomatic, Niles badge, 8 lugs, and no re-rings. Seller says it's 40+ years old - I emailed to ask for his method of dating. Other pics show the wood as being very clean inside. Slight surface rust on the Zoomy arm but very clean overall. Listed at $150 plus shipping.

I know the correct answer is "get both!" Trust me, I'd love to and would use both. However, just looking for your preferences between the two, all things being equal (value, collectability, tone/usability, etc.)

Thanks in advance - cheers all!

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thejohnlec
Ohio Valley
Posted on 7 years ago
#1
Posts: 1292 Threads: 147

In terms of tone/usability, I would definitely go with the COW, but that's my opinion based on what I play & I usually prefer an 8-lug minimum. Chrome will also look better with different kits. but I'm sure they're both nice snares & they're affordable.

1964 Ludwig Champagne Super Classic
1970 Ludwig Blue Oyster Super Classic
1977 Rogers Big R Londoner 5 ebony
1972/1978 Rogers Powertone/Big R mix ebony
60's Ludwig Supersensitive
Pearl B4514 COB snare ( the SC snare)
Pearl Firecracker
PJL WMP maple snare
Odds & Sods

Sabians, Paistes, Zildjians, Zyns, UFIPs, MIJs etc
Item may be subject to change!
Posted on 7 years ago
#2
Posts: 6365 Threads: 223

From funkypoodle

In terms of tone/usability, I would definitely go with the COW, but that's my opinion based on what I play & I usually prefer an 8-lug minimum. Chrome will also look better with different kits. but I'm sure they're both nice snares & they're affordable.

I'm with funkypoodle on this. While I have 5 of the 6-lug drums in my collection, I don't think I'd want to gig with one. The 6.5" 8-lug COW is definitely the more versatile drum. If you do decide on the COW, make sure to check the level of the edges. Slingerland had a tough time with getting good edges on the 5-ply shells, which can cause some buzzing with lower tuning. Just something to keep in mind.

-Mark

Posted on 7 years ago
#3
Posts: 2753 Threads: 132

The red sparkle drum, from many years of experience playing drums just like this one, is one of the best sounding and least finicky snare drums ever made. Head choice and head tension can coax the drum to sound very different. I'm also inclined to like it more than the other choice because I do not like snare drums deeper than 5 or 5 and a half inches.

No matter how far you push the envelope, it is still stationery.
Posted on 7 years ago
#4
Posts: 6524 Threads: 37

The 8 lug will give you better fine tuning, the 5" will have a much shorter note, if that helps.

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

.....76/#XK9207 Phonic Sound Machine D454/D-505 snares !i
Posted on 7 years ago
#5
Posts: 5295 Threads: 226

I would choose the COW...

Cheers

1976 Ludwig Mach 4 Thermogloss 26-18-14-14sn
1978 Ludwig Stainless 22-22-18-16-14-13-12 c/w 6-8-10-12-13-14-15-16-18-20-22-24 concert toms
1975 Sonor Phonic Centennials Metallic Pewter 22-16-13-12-14sn (D506)
1971 Ludwig Classic Bowling Ball OBP 22-16-14-13
1960's Stewart Peacock Pearl 20-16-12-14sn
1980`s Ludwig Coliseum Piano Black 8x14 snare
1973 Rogers Superten 5x14 & 6.5x14 COS snares
1970`s John Grey Capri Aquamarine Sparkle 5x14 snare
1941 Ludwig & Ludwig Super 8x14 snare
Posted on 7 years ago
#6
Posts: 3467 Threads: 116

Prices are not too bad on either... I'd choose the COW also, as more of a player drum which will have a killer sound. ( Note it looks a little scratched up though ).. may have been detailed with steel wool..

The six lugger is more collectable IMO.. will clean up well & note.. it will/ should have the much liked COB hoops fitted..

Cheers

John

'77 Slingerland 51N,Super Rock 24,18,14,13.. COW 8,10 Concert toms
'69 Slingerland Hollywood Ace
'75 Rogers Dynasonic 6.5 x 14, 10 lug COB
'77-78 Slingerland 6.5 x 14, 10 lug COB
'78-79 Slingerland 5 1/4 x14 8 lug COB
'79 Biman 5 1/4, Acrolite
'82 Slingerland 5 1/4 x 14. Festival COS
'84 Tama MasterCraft Superstar 6.5 x 14, 10 lug Rosewood
'98 Slingerland (Music YO) 6" 10 Lug Maple.. NOS
Zildjian, Sabian , UFIP & Paiste mix.
Posted on 7 years ago
#7
Posts: 268 Threads: 44

Great input everyone - thanks! I mainly need a 6.5 wood, pref maple, to gig with (which I don't own strangely enough) and the red sparkle appeared as part of the search results. I threw this out here because I don't want to buy a shelf dweller but I also don't want to pass up on collectibility either.

Was that COW considered a pro level instrument? 8 lugs and the Zoomy suggest that. I'm assuming the red sparkle was a student model, albeit a solid build. Can anyone tell me if either of these snares have a model name?

Thanks again all - cheers!

thejohnlec
Ohio Valley
Posted on 7 years ago
#8
Posts: 6288 Threads: 375

From thejohnlec

Was that COW considered a pro level instrument? 8 lugs and the Zoomy suggest that. I'm assuming the red sparkle was a student model, albeit a solid build. Can anyone tell me if either of these snares have a model name?Thanks again all - cheers!

The Sparkling Red Pearl is a Deluxe Student Model with second Niles badge, which covers 1962 - 1969 ...... the Deluxe is not in the '69 catalogue, so maybe that narrows it to '62 to maybe '67.....? There could be a date stamp inside....

I've looked a good bit and can't find a COW deep-dish with a Zoomatic strainer.....of course, one exists......lol

It would be a pro-line drum, as you stated .....the Zoomatic was put on the higher level snare drums

Kevin
Posted on 7 years ago
#9
Posts: 1089 Threads: 3

Serial numbers could narrow the date to plus or minus a year.

Posted on 7 years ago
#10
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