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Does Any U.S. Kit Define These Decades? Last viewed: 15 seconds ago

Posts: 40 Threads: 11

Posting from England, so please forgive my limited knowledge in this area.

My vintage collection contains multiple UK kits, but I am curious if among the many wonderful U.S outfits, is there one kit, per decade, that stood out above all others in the 1940s, 1950s & 1960s?

I'm not looking for a 'my brand is better than yours' debate, but am genuinely interested to hear from those who have owned or currently own or even get to play multiple brands from these decades.

Sure it can be a personal thing, but did the market reveal outright winners in terms of a unique sound, quantity of quality kits sold, name endorsers etc?

I expect Slingerland, Ludwig & Gretsch to be in there with some of their legendary models, but how about Camco or Rogers etc?

In other words, in each decade, which is a must play outfit should I get the chance?

Thank you in advance.

My Collection:
Quite Frankly Drums - Vintage Classic Modern
http://www.quitefranklydrums.co.uk/
Posted on 9 years ago
#1
Posts: 560 Threads: 147

I would guess that a Slingerland Radio King set would define the 40's. A WFL in white marine pearl would define the 50's. A Ludwig Ringo kit would define the 60's. I know there are other iconic kits but that is what I think of for each decade.

Posted on 9 years ago
#2
Posts: 253 Threads: 43

In my opinion,verminator has made some good choices.Jim

Ludwig collection of sets and pioneer snare drums.
Example of Rogers,Slingerland,Gretsch,Premier and Ajax sets.
Various '60's and '70's US,English and Japanese snare drums.
HELP,NEED MORE SPACE!
Posted on 9 years ago
#3
Posts: 2148 Threads: 177

From verminator

I would guess that a Slingerland Radio King set would define the 40's. A WFL in white marine pearl would define the 50's. A Ludwig Ringo kit would define the 60's. I know there are other iconic kits but that is what I think of for each decade.

Perfectly said...& agree 100%.

Bop iT / Til U Drop iT.

ROGER's
1964 Cleveland,.18/14/12 in WMP
1966 Cleveland, 20/14/12 O'natural.
Fullerton,...20/16/13/12 Silver Glass

WFL
1957 B/R Super Classics In WMP

Snares..
Wood & COB Powertones,
Wood & COB Dynasonics,
57 Jazz Festival

Zildjian avedis cymbals.
40s/60s era.
Posted on 9 years ago
#4
Posts: 2010 Threads: 19

From verminator

I would guess that a Slingerland Radio King set would define the 40's. A WFL in white marine pearl would define the 50's. A Ludwig Ringo kit would define the 60's. I know there are other iconic kits but that is what I think of for each decade.

I'd agree except to alter the choice for the 50's to a Gretsch set. Jazz was still "popular" mainstream music in that decade and a lot (most) of the big players coming out of NYC were using Gretsch drums...as was D.J. Fontana with Elvis. That's the decade that put Gretsch on the map and they are still benefitting today from the reputation gained in those years.

The 70's would be Ludwig again (IMO) probably something 5 piece in striped Vistalite.

Posted on 9 years ago
#5
Posts: 6365 Threads: 223

Definitely agree with verminator and KO! The 50's would really belong to those two companines...WFL and Gretsch. While Rogers was really big in the mid-to-late 60's, the decade still belonged to Ludwig.

-Mark

Posted on 9 years ago
#6
Posts: 1322 Threads: 22

From verminator

I would guess that a Slingerland Radio King set would define the 40's. A WFL in white marine pearl would define the 50's. A Ludwig Ringo kit would define the 60's. I know there are other iconic kits but that is what I think of for each decade.

I think in the early 60s a Ludwig Super Classic set in WMP would be pretty defining as well. From a jazz point of view, a Gretsch round badge set would also be high on the list in the 50s/60s.

Mark
BosLover
Posted on 9 years ago
#7
Posts: 6365 Threads: 223

From BosLover

I think in the early 60s a Ludwig Super Classic set in WMP would be pretty defining as well. From a jazz point of view, a Gretsch round badge set would also be high on the list in the 50s/60s.

Even though my first drum catalog was a Slingerland, 1968 edition, I would also agree that a WMP Ludwig Super Classic, early 60's edition, is also very iconic.

-Mark

Posted on 9 years ago
#8
Posts: 1163 Threads: 36

I agree with all the above. 70's must surely go to Mr Bonhams choice of 26" Ludwigs, either the green spark or the Amber Vista's.

I mean there where so many players of high status playing all sorts of kits and sizes and finishes throughout those decades, but these are the one's that truly stand out.

Many on here would reinforce the point of view that mid 60's Rogers were iconic as a stand out overall company. The Rogers Dynasonic Snare I believe was the sound of Motown, I might be wrong. And the Ludwig 400 pretty much is the sound of most records made from late 60's throughout the 70's, to this day probably.

40's Slingerland Radio King WMP
60's Ludwig Downbeat Silver Spark
70's Ludwig Super Classic White Marine
60's Gretsch RB Champaigne Spark
70's Rogers Big R Black
90's Sonor Hilite (Red maple)
00's DW Collectors Broken Glass
00's DW Jazz Series Tangerine Glass
10's DW Collectors (Acrylic) Matt Black Wrap
10's PDP Concept Wood Hoop kit (Maple)
Proud ambassador of the British Drum Company
Posted on 9 years ago
#9
Posts: 3089 Threads: 326

Interesting post. I'd tend to agree that 40's would be Slingerland, WFL in 50's and Ludwig in 60's, but it is true that Gretsch was really big in the jazz world crossing from the 50's to the early 60's. The question does make me wonder if anyone knows the MIJ impact in the 60's in terms of sheer quantities. Due to the cost of American drums, the MIJ set-ups must have had a large share too, though they certainly would not have been visible in media until well into the 70's. Seeing the general answer makes me think I need a Ludwig to properly represent my own era.

Posted on 9 years ago
#10
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