Hi
Theres a 60s slingerland on uk ebay at the moment which is exactly the sort of kit Im looking for but according to the guide on this site the badges appear to be 70s. The kit has been refurbished at some point so what should I look out for to tell what era its from? Im not that fussed about the authenticity of it- i just want a vintage kit that sounds good!
Thanks
Phil
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-Slingerland-Drums-/171081308211
Hi Phil,
Based on what I can see, it looks like a mix of 60-70's era Slingerland drums there. The mounted toms look like mid 70's based on the badge and serial number in the pictures. The floor tom could definitely be an early to mid 60's age as Slingerland didn't put badges on their toms until the mid 60's. Plus, you have the date stamp there. You might ask for a couple pictures of the interiors of the drums just to verify they are indeed Slingerland. Early 60's drums should have an inner ply of mahogany, mid 60's likely have maple interiors, and late 60-mid 70s should have maple that is painted a tannish color. Sometime in the mid 70's I think Slingerland went back to unpainted maple interiors but stopped putting in reinforcement rings. All are likely 3 ply shells. Slingerland switched to 5 ply shells in the late 70's.So you can check that stuff out. Tom holder looks mid 60's. Those drums should sound really nice regardless, if they are 60's or 70's.
Good luck,
James
Hi Phil,Based on what I can see, it looks like a mix of 60-70's era Slingerland drums there. The mounted toms look like mid 70's based on the badge and serial number in the pictures. The floor tom could definitely be an early to mid 60's age as Slingerland didn't put badges on their toms until the mid 60's. Plus, you have the date stamp there. You might ask for a couple pictures of the interiors of the drums just to verify they are indeed Slingerland. Early 60's drums should have an inner ply of mahogany, mid 60's likely have maple interiors, and late 60-mid 70s should have maple that is painted a tannish color. Sometime in the mid 70's I think Slingerland went back to unpainted maple interiors but stopped putting in reinforcement rings. All are likely 3 ply shells. Slingerland switched to 5 ply shells in the late 70's.So you can check that stuff out. Tom holder looks mid 60's. Those drums should sound really nice regardless, if they are 60's or 70's.Good luck,James
+1 with what James said. As to the tom mount, it appears to be the chromed Setomatic. The first version was aluminum and came out in early 1968. It was redesigned and chromed by the end of 1968.
Mark
+1 with what James said. As to the tom mount, it appears to be the chromed Setomatic. The first version was aluminum and came out in early 1968. It was redesigned and chromed by the end of 1968.Mark
Mark thats interesting about the SOM redesign by end of 68. I never knew it was that soon. Good to know thanks.
Mark thats interesting about the SOM redesign by end of 68. I never knew it was that soon. Good to know thanks.
Yes, the redesign occurred very quickly! While I can't completely verify this, my thought is that the Setomatic was rushed to production, which is why it was all aluminum. Changes were made to the actual design of the brackets and arm and then all parts were chrome plated.
I agree with Mark and James.
That kit was not only pieced together from different eras,but rechromeing and rewrapping put It WAY out of the collectable catagory.
That's strictly a very nice looking Players kit and nothing more.
If you want good sound and aren't worried about collectability,then you've found your man.
I'm not up on vintage Slingerland prices in the UK,but in the states,once you alter a kit from factory original,you should deduct 35-40% of what collector value would be for the same kit,in the same condition,but still original.
Cheers mate.
Steve B
