YES

IT IS A FACT THAT SLINGERLANDS ARE THE BEST!!!

/me ducks....and waits for people to throw things HAHAHHAAH

Z

From what I've come across in my time, I think that Ludwigs and Slingerlands were made about equally, and sound *fairly* similar. However, I've heard MANY more reports of having to repair ply separation and re-rings in Ludwigs than I have Slingerlands. That's just an observation...

I've had three sets of Slingys. I love the shells, it's the hardware over the years that's in question.

caddywumpus, I agree with you on the quality issue in fact all Instrument manufacturers suffered from mid to late 60's, the BEATLES, the companies could not meet the demand! drums, guitars amps all associated Instruments suffered! there is a tone difference of the two brands, that's a good thing, but ply seperation repair is about equal on ludwig ans slingerlands! it may be because of the south's temp and humidity,I haven't bought a set from either company that at least some work has had to be performed on! but in my opinion i think the 60's slingerland shells are better finished that ludwigs are inside! I am a Ludwig guy, buy now I love them all! an old vintage AMERICAN,BRITISH OR GERMAN drum is hard to beat!

I do notice a sonic difference between my Ludwig 3 ply and the my newest Slingerland 3 ply. Both kits have re-rings, are the same sizes and have the same head combination. I assume the sound difference can be contributed to the ply of maple that Slingerland used. The true test will be in the studio "under the microscope" if you will.

Oh, yeah...there definitely IS a sound difference, but compare the scope of that difference to, say, a 60s Ludwig kit and a 70s MIJ kit or a 50s Gretsch Round Badge with 3-ply shells: There is MUCH more of a difference there!

I was wondering if people with Slingerlands that are falling apart actually get them fixed or just throw them away. I mean, they're great drums, but they're like the "nerdy little brother" of Ludwig, who's the homecoming king/quarterback. Everyone's all gaga-eyed over Ludwigs and talks about them and restoring them and whatnot, but Slingerlands don't seem to field the same level of enthusiasm when talking to collectors, players, or looking at forums. Well, except for the Radio Kings, I suppose, but there are far fewer of those out there. The repairs seem to be similar, but I see people addressing repairing Ludwigs far more often.

Good question. I know that say 7 years ago...there were only 2-3 pages of Slingerland "stuff" on Ebay as opposed to 30 pages of Ludwig. Now there is a little more out there, but nothing compared to Ludwig.

I guess you can chalk it up to guys like Ringo, Bonham, Mitchell, Baker, etc.

I think it comes down to who Ludwig had as endorsers, they had more rock drummers so the younger players, and there were a lot of them back then, wanted Ludwig. I know I did from the "Ringo" factor alone. Did not make them better quality. I have three Slingy sets right now and they all sound great, plus after all these years they are still in great shape, build wise!

I thought Rogers was making the best stuff during the 60s?