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First Vintage kit Last viewed: 2 days ago

Posts: 108 Threads: 46

Hi guys, I just bought a late 50's WMP Slingerland Gene Krupa kit from forum member and I have a couple questions to start with as it is my very first drum kit (at age 41 no less) and I was hoping for some good advice.

1. Is this "Gene Krupa" kit similar to or the same as the Radio King kits?

2. This kit has some calfskin heads on it, I plan to play this kit alot since I will be starting lessons soon and was wondering if it would be advisable to put new heads on it and pack the old ones away to protect them from damage? Should I use the external bass drum mufflers that are on it or something more modern? If new heads were in order I was reading about the Aquarian American Vintage series and they sounded interesting, are they a good choice?

3. There is a yellow stain on the bottom of the bass drum, the rest of the wrap is nice, are there are tricks to getting the staining out or am I to consider it to add to the "mojo" of the kit? Thanks!!

Posted on 13 years ago
#1
Posts: 108 Threads: 46

Here are the drums, I am really excited!!

http://www.vintagedrumforum.com/showthread.php?t=25180

Posted on 13 years ago
#2
Posts: 9005 Threads: 266

Fatty - Your instincts are spot-on... swap out the calf heads for coated Ambassadors and Diplomats and learn on those. If you buy either; a REMO PS-3 or an Evans EMAD for the bass drum batter, you won't need any external muffling. If needed, add a felt strip to the reso, or place a drum pillow inside the bass drum. I don't think you'll need the secondary muffling at all. Make an appt. with a good teacher! Get yourself off to a good start.

You're starting out on a pro-level set of drums. The longer you play, the more you learn, the more you will grow to appreciate what you have there. Congrats on scoring a beautiful kit and welcome to the world of drumming!

As long as you're beating those skins, you'll never need a shrink again! Although, Buddy Rich is a good argument against my comment!!!

John

Too many great drums to list here!

http://www.walbergandauge.com/VintageVenue.htm
Posted on 13 years ago
#3
Posts: 2349 Threads: 79

WHOA!

You scored buddy! Nice kit!

Everything purdie said is on the money. Take it slow, learn it correctly, and don't be afraid of learning differing stick holding techniques. I've always been one for learning your rudiments on the snare before incorporating the rest of the kit. You'll have to do what is best for you. You're never too old... I sold a kit to a 68 year old fellow about a year ago. He's driving his wife nuts and having a great time!

Pleased to meet you and welcome to the club! (which of us will show him the secret drummers handshake?) DOH

fishwaltz
Posted on 13 years ago
#4
Posts: 80 Threads: 6

Super sweet kit.... LOVE me some WMP!!! Wish I had a set that nice,..... My home is full of orphans.

congrats!!!

Posted on 13 years ago
#5
Posts: 1071 Threads: 128

very nice drums for sure . i wish my first vintage drum kit looked like that .

80's 13 pc sonor signature
1979 12 pc ludwig power factory
Posted on 13 years ago
#6
Posts: 9005 Threads: 266

(which of us will show him the secret drummers handshake?)

You don't mean 'the Buddy Rich method' do you?

John

Too many great drums to list here!

http://www.walbergandauge.com/VintageVenue.htm
Posted on 13 years ago
#7
Posts: 1829 Threads: 86

Talk about starting at the top with top gear!!!!

A drum teacher IS crucial. And yes, you'll want to switch out the heads and save those calfskins.

I really can't add much as these guys have covered it all. 41 is not a bad age to try and learn new stuff. I didn't take up guitar until age 30. While nobody is going to confuse me for Eddie Van Halen, Les Paul or Peter Frampton, I can more than hold my own as a rhythm guitar player and I write songs with a guitar. Just find a patient drum teacher, and I would say you want someone older than you in this case. Your desire will probably make you a good student.

Yeah- I'm THAT guy!!!

Dead dogs like rusty fire hydrants!!!
Posted on 13 years ago
#8
Posts: 108 Threads: 46

Thanks everybody I will get the heads switched out and pack the calfskins up. I am lucky to be nearby a drum teacher with a bachelors in music education and a masters in percussion. Thanks again for the advice and warm welcome.

Posted on 13 years ago
#9
Posts: 6583 Threads: 644

Store the calf low to the ground,and away from heat>(furnace,water heaters etc)

"Always make sure your front bottom BD lugs clear the ground!"
Posted on 13 years ago
#10
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