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Can you tell me about this drum ? WFL 1920s

Posts: 3 Threads: 1

I picked up a WFL bass drum 26x14. I had my friend Jeff Ocheltree do a basic restoration. It was in rough shape, but he cleaned it up very nicely. What I do know is that the lugs appear to be nickel. The rod stays in the middle are brass with a nickel bottom on which is stamped "WFL Chicago USA". It has a keystone WFL badge. It is mahogany inside, and birdseye maple outside.

Any ideas on dates, usage, etcetera are appreciated. I would like to use it in my recording studio, but gently, so any thoughts on how to play it with a modern pedal but no spurs on the drum ?

Also, what would the two holes on one side (3.5" apart) have been for ? possibly hardware to hold a sock cymbal ?

thanks

Posted on 11 years ago
#1
Posts: 3 Threads: 1

here are some pics.

The badge is keystone, with Wm F Ludwig President on the bottom. Silver-ish metal, possibly aluminum ? Held in place with a brass grommet.

Posted on 11 years ago
#2
Posts: 10714 Threads: 579

can you post a pic of the drum please.? the two holes may have been for a light to keep the bass drum calf heads in tune. Many of them back in that time period came this way from the factory. here is a good source of info for you too go thru. http://www.vintagedrumguide.com/ludwig.html

Your drummers not much good is he!? What you need is someone that's as good as me. ! John Henry Bonham !!
Posted on 11 years ago
#3
Posts: 747 Threads: 37

WFL started c.1936, the Badge dates this Bass to the late 1930's. (Show some pics of the holes). These drums had removable, hoop clamped spurs, which still can be found on ebay or collector sites. Basses were not drilled for hardware. This could have been used for Dance band, Marching or Orchestra. Marching basses usually had 1 or 2 holes in the side for carrying brackets.

A close inspection by an experienced person could probably tell you more about it's use. Study the hoops for evidence of where a pedal was attached, where spurs, cymbals, toms etc were clamped, (or not). Do the holes show signs of once having large washers, inside & out ?

Posted on 11 years ago
#4
Posts: 3 Threads: 1

Any thoughts on how to play this with a modern pedal without drilling any holes for spurs ?

Here is a pic of the two holes on the side. There aren't any marks on the outside of the shell to give a clue as to washers or whatever, but on the inside there are marks from circular washers about the same size as the rod stays.

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Posted on 11 years ago
#5
Posts: 1836 Threads: 336

From kingwhistle

Any thoughts on how to play this with a modern pedal without drilling any holes for spurs ?Here is a pic of the two holes on the side. There aren't any marks on the outside of the shell to give a clue as to washers or whatever, but on the inside there are marks from circular washers about the same size as the rod stays.

Just grab some hoop mounted spurs. You can get a new set on eBay or someone here may have a vintage pair.

Posted on 11 years ago
#6
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