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Can anyone ID these 1930s-40s drums? Last viewed: 3 days ago

Posts: 20 Threads: 15

I know this is a long shot, but I thought I would ask if anyone happens to know what brand of drums Ted Lewis and his Orchestra used in the late 1930s and 1940s? I would be able to ID them if I had a decent shot of the set, but there isn't much out there. I thought maybe his drummer might have endorsed a specific brand in vintage ads.

Here's a blurry still photo, looks like 40s Leedy lugs maybe? The photo is from 1943.

[IMG]http://www.promotioninmotion.net/images/Ted_Lewis_Dancing_with_Band.jpg[/IMG]

Here's a video clip from "Hold That Ghost" in 1941, again very blurry: http://youtu.be/JrVozN5SaRQ?t=6m9s

The one thing I know is that they were WMP. I'm putting on a tribute to Ted in June so I'm trying to find a similar set to purchase and use.

Thanks for your help!

Joseph

Posted on 13 years ago
#1
Posts: 1132 Threads: 43

I zoomed in as much as I could before it got too blurry to make out anything. Are those Slingerland streamline lugs on the toms? They're long and kinda skinny like streamline lugs. I can't tell for sure, though.

I'm no guru, just a vintage drum junkie!

Psalm 150:5
1945 Slingerland RK sparkling gold pearl 26/13/14/16/early 50s 5.5x14 Krupa RK
1967 Slingerland green glass glitter 20/12/14/Hollywood Ace
60s Slingerland 24/13/16/7x14 project
24/13/16/7x14 project RKs
60s 5 & 6.5 Sound Kings
1942 7x14 WMP Krupa RK
1930s Slingerland Universal
1967 Ludwig Hollywood sparkling blue pearl 22/12/13/16
1967 Ludwig Supraphonic 400 & 402
1965 Ludwig Jazz Fest sparkling blue pearl
1923 Ludwig 5x14 NOB
Posted on 13 years ago
#2
Posts: 20 Threads: 15

Thanks for the response! I had a feeling they were Slingerlands.

Posted on 13 years ago
#3
Posts: 1132 Threads: 43

You're welcome! That may not be correct, just my guess from a not-so-clear picture.

They could also be early Ludwigs with the Zephyr lugs, but I don't think those lugs were as big as the ones pictured here.

I'm no guru, just a vintage drum junkie!

Psalm 150:5
1945 Slingerland RK sparkling gold pearl 26/13/14/16/early 50s 5.5x14 Krupa RK
1967 Slingerland green glass glitter 20/12/14/Hollywood Ace
60s Slingerland 24/13/16/7x14 project
24/13/16/7x14 project RKs
60s 5 & 6.5 Sound Kings
1942 7x14 WMP Krupa RK
1930s Slingerland Universal
1967 Ludwig Hollywood sparkling blue pearl 22/12/13/16
1967 Ludwig Supraphonic 400 & 402
1965 Ludwig Jazz Fest sparkling blue pearl
1923 Ludwig 5x14 NOB
Posted on 13 years ago
#4
Posts: 728 Threads: 92

I also thought they looked like Slingerland lugs, but not easy to tell from the photo. Good luck!

James

“It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent; it is the one most adaptable to change.” - Charles Darwin
Posted on 13 years ago
#5
Posts: 1132 Threads: 43

From Fuse

Who was on the drums for Ted Lewis during this period--Earl Fuller or John Lucas? Knowing the drummer might be helpful for figuring out the drums.

Very good point! Sounds like a little detective work is necessary. :cool:

I'm no guru, just a vintage drum junkie!

Psalm 150:5
1945 Slingerland RK sparkling gold pearl 26/13/14/16/early 50s 5.5x14 Krupa RK
1967 Slingerland green glass glitter 20/12/14/Hollywood Ace
60s Slingerland 24/13/16/7x14 project
24/13/16/7x14 project RKs
60s 5 & 6.5 Sound Kings
1942 7x14 WMP Krupa RK
1930s Slingerland Universal
1967 Ludwig Hollywood sparkling blue pearl 22/12/13/16
1967 Ludwig Supraphonic 400 & 402
1965 Ludwig Jazz Fest sparkling blue pearl
1923 Ludwig 5x14 NOB
Posted on 13 years ago
#6
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