I've been conversing with a gentleman who has a Slingerland kit that he believes is a Slingerland Roadie 9R Kit. From the research I've done, this particular model was offered in 1979 in a 5x14, 8x12, 14x14, 14x20 configuration. His particular kit is missing the matching snare drum. I had inquired if the drums had 3-ply shells with reinforcement rings. The current owner believes that the shells are 3-ply but without the rings. I also asked if the toms had their original tone controls and was told that the shells were never drilled for them. I'm not familiar with this particular model and was hoping that one of you "Slingy experts" might be able to confirm this information. Any and all "words of wisdom" would be greatly appreciated. I've attached a pic of the kit in question. Thanks in advance for your time and your help!
Slingerland Roadie 9R Kit Last viewed: 9 hours ago
Hey OldSchool!
Nice looking kit! Serial numbers will help to determine the year and model name. However, there is a clue here. If the toms have 3-ply shells without rings, there is a good chance that this is the J4 kit, offered in 1980, along with the Magnum series. The J4 and J5 kits made use of the original 3-ply shells, but without re-rings. Many times, the bass drum used the 5-ply shell. Here's a link to the the 1980 catalog page showing these two kits... http://vintagedrumguide.com/images/slingerland_drum_sets/1980-slingerland-drumsets9.jpg
-Mark
Hey OldSchool!Nice looking kit! Serial numbers will help to determine the year and model name. However, there is a clue here. If the toms have 3-ply shells without rings, there is a good chance that this is the J4 kit, offered in 1980, along with the Magnum series. The J4 and J5 kits made use of the original 3-ply shells, but without re-rings. Many times, the bass drum used the 5-ply shell. Here's a link to the the 1980 catalog page showing these two kits... http://vintagedrumguide.com/images/slingerland_drum_sets/1980-slingerland-drumsets9.jpg-Mark
Thanks, Mark. I actually did find a pic of the "Roadie 9R" kit in Rob Cook's "The Slingerland Book". It dates it to 1979 but doesn't provide any information regarding the ply construction and/or tone controls. Unfortunately, I don't have any information regarding the serial numbers on the particular kit I've been discussing. It seems that the only difference between the '79 "Roadie 9R" and the '80s "Artist J4" was the size of the snare drum (5x14 v.s. 5 1/2 x14) and the fact that the J4 kit had lightweight hardware.
Sure would be nice to verify shell lay-up. According to DrCJWenk 3-ply without re-rings is '81-'86. The '79 "Roadie 9R" kit is listed as 3-ply only but would be expected to have re-rings. Serials could be helpful also.
Sure would be nice to verify shell lay-up. According to DrCJWenk 3-ply without re-rings is '81-'86. The '79 "Roadie 9R" kit is listed as 3-ply only but would be expected to have re-rings. Serials could be helpful also.
I'm trying to get that information but, unfortunately, the seller is slow in regard to responding to inquiries.
Hi OldSchool, I was the Lucky Person that bought this Sweet kit last night.
This is a really nice orginal kit with NO EXTRA Holes, nice
chrome and beautiful bearing edges ! The Patina (I think) looks very nice definitely has the aged look but tasteful. The seller owned them for 6 years and said he bought them from a collection he also mentioned that he more than likely regret selling them, Yesss I agreed with him ! Honestly these sold for way way less than what there worth , any questions I would be happy to answer, Just a great kit that's been played a lot and held up really well !
Hi OldSchool, I was the Lucky Person that bought this Sweet kit last night. This is a really nice orginal kit with NO EXTRA Holes, nice chrome and beautiful bearing edges ! The Patina (I think) looks very nice definitely has the aged look but tasteful. The seller owned them for 6 years and said he bought them from a collection he also mentioned that he more than likely regret selling them, Yesss I agreed with him ! Honestly these sold for way way less than what there worth , any questions I would be happy to answer, Just a great kit that's been played a lot and held up really well !
Congrats on the purchase! That bass drum shell appears to be extremely clean! I was considering adding this kit to my Slingy collection, based on the kit's smaller sizes. I also thought that re-staining those wooden shells would be a nice project for me. In the pics I had seen, it appeared that the rack tom would have needed the most work. Have you determined that this kit is, in fact, Slingerland's Roadie 9R kit? Just wondering. ENJOY your new drums!Cool1
Thank you and I appreciate your post, I was looking for the model when I came across your post, yes these shells are really clean , I'm sure the past owners had always had both heads on at all times .
I'm leaning toward the "Roadie 9R" but your guess is as good as mine not sure if the serial #'s would help ?
Nowadays there's so much talk about keeping stuff orginal it seems in some eyes that you can de-value vintage drums by refinishing them, but these would be the perfect candidate for a refinishing job! Not sure what direction I'm going but I plan on taking my time thinking this one out.
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