Hi!
I write, as I have just bought but not yet received a 14x5" Chrome over Wood Slingerland snare with Zoomatic strainer.
I bought it with a kit, and I am not sure I want to keep it, so I took a look at Ebay to see the prices they command.
Not much, it seems, and it occurs to me from this quick check that Slingerlands tends to be rather cheap, and cheaper as I find Ludwigs, Gretsch and Rogers to be.
Is this correct?
What is the reason for this - if there is any?
Regards
Jon
For whatever reason, Slingerlands are lower on the price totem pole than Ludwig, Gretsch, and Rogers. This is great news for Slingerland fans, or people who want to get their feet wet with vintage drums but not spend a fortune.
I like them a lot, myself. I've owned a couple Slingerland sets. I happen to like my Ludwig kit the best of all, so I kept it and gig with it...
I'll always have a soft sport in my heart for Slingy... My very first vintage kit was a '71 3ply Slingerland in blue sparkle. It was in immaculate condition. A friend of mine was moving out of state and sold it to me in 1992 for $200.
I loved that kit dearly and played the crap out of it. A few years later, I happened to come across a '66 Ludwig Downbeat kit in silver sparkle w/ a keystone Acrolite at a church sale in No. California. Near mint condition, and only $250. I took that kit home and never looked back. For me, Ludwig was IT. The Slingy sounded so milquetoast and flat next to the Luddies.
I've seen and heard some very nice Slingerlands over the years, including a couple of RK kits. I respect them as one of the great American companies, and I think they were built extremely well. But in the end, I just like the Ludwig sound better.
That's funny considering they were pretty much made of the same wood. I too have owned several Ludwig, Rogers and Slingerland kits and as far as I can tell the only real difference between the three is the hardware. Too me the Luddie and Slingy kits sounded identical and better than the Rogers, but heh, that's just me.
That's funny considering they were pretty much made of the same wood. I too have owned several Ludwig, Rogers and Slingerland kits and as far as I can tell the only real difference between the three is the hardware. Too me the Luddie and Slingy kits sounded identical and better than the Rogers, but heh, that's just me.
JR!...
Well... Slingerland and Ludwig of that era were BOTH 3 ply w/rings shells, whereas Rogers featured a 5 ply w/rings shell, giving Rogers a little higher pitch in the raw fundamental area... hence a "jazzers" drum if you will. That being said, if one prefers Slingerland and Ludwig to Rogers for this era build, I would suspect that one prefers the slightly LOWER fundamental and KICK that the 3 ply w/rings shell delivers! Actually, this is of course completely and totally subjective, but I know what you're sayin'! Also goes without saying that I am a "Rogers guy"... but have a soft spot for them all!
Tommyp
I always thought that Slingerland was always a good product. Just as good as the others. Now is the time to buy these, as I predict the prices will
increase. Another brand that will be on the rise, if not already is Ludwig
Standard. It makes me wonder if the current drum makers pay any attention
to us vintage guys, as far as what wraps and hardware would translate to
new products. I was hoping when Yamahahaha bought the Rogers name
it would result in some nice products. It never happened. So, go out there
and get your Slingees!!! The good stuff will eventually be spoken for,
They may be cheaper, but they sounds just as nice as Ludwigs and other great American made drums. They also look fantastic. I hope they stay undervalued, so that I can afford to purchase more :)
James
As my name states, I'm loving Rogers and Slingerland drums. I sold off all my Ludwig kits as I really prefer the Slingerland drums. Whether or not others can hear or feel a difference between Ludwig and Slingerland, I can. There is most definitely a difference between the two builders drums. The entire process was different, along with the edges, the rerings, the ply layups, the hoops, and a few others variables. Heck, Slingerland drums varied quite a bit from each other depending on build eras. (this is not directed at you, James. just a point I wanted to make.) It makes me giggle when I hear someone compare Slingerland drums to Ludwig as being almost as good or just as nice or whatever. To me, they are WAY better then Ludwig. More warmth, more woodiness, more resonence, and a much better feel. But that's my experience. Your mileage may vary.
As far as them being cheaper .... GOOD!
Being a life-long Slingerland fan, I have to agree with James!
Having said that, I wonder if the price difference & popularity has anything to do with marketing over the last 45 years.
I mean, I'm not much of a "Rock" guy but when I think "Big rock sound" I automatically picture Ludwigs...and what with the Rock and Roll being so popular with the kids these days, it stands to reason they'd fetch more dough.
Not that you can't get that sound from Slingerlands (Or Rogers, Gretsch or any other great drum company) but I have my suspicions they (Ludwig) geared themselves more towards it.
I'm positive that I am totally talking out of my ass....but the only Slingerland "Rock Guy" endorsement I can think of off the top of my head is Ronnie Tutt, where Ludwig had um.....what's his name?
That British guy....oh...and the other British guy...and....
Actually Slingerland had a huge stable of rock endorsers ... and jazz, etc. Some of the top rockers played Slingerland. Check in to Rob's Slingerland Book. It's pretty eye opening.
