Only Admins can see this message.
Data Transition still in progress. Some functionality may be limited until the process is complete.
Processing Attachment, Gallery - 186.37996%

Leedy WWll Dilemma Last viewed: 1 hour ago

Posts: 229 Threads: 15

This started with HappyhourFred's post asking for help to id some Leedy drums that had wood rims and lug casings. I recognized them right away as Leedy "Alliance" WWll era drums because I own a complete outfit. Oddball and resident Leedy expert Cooper (who has a superb web site dedicated to Leedy war time drums) both identified Fred's drums as being Leedy "Dreadnaught" WWll drums. Furthermore, neither had ever heard of Leedy "Alliance". When I got my Leedy's back in the 80's my source for learning the history about the drums was John Aldridge's great book "Guide To Vintage Drums". Check out the link to see the book's description of all the WWll drums. If anyone can shed any light on this, I would appreciate it. I have this great rare vintage kit and I just want to make sure I know what it is. Thanks! and thanks to Fred, Oddball, and Cooper for their comments.

http://books.google.com/books?id=SQkjBOF-iH4C&pg=PA128&lpg=PA128&dq=Leedy+Alliance+drums&source=bl&ots=-a6ZZR9LyQ&sig=3qJ0NZBXWyNR7L3u3E0x1juiR40&hl=en&sa=X&ei=tldIUaOROPio4AP9g4CQBw&ved=0CDgQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=Leedy%20Alliance%20drums&f=false

.

Posted on 12 years ago
#1
Posts: 229 Threads: 15

sorry...this is what they look like[Attachment: 55242]

1 attachment
IMG_3167.jpg
112.9 kB
Posted on 12 years ago
#2
Posts: 750 Threads: 69

Well....not sure what to say about that. I see a bit of misinformation on that page. Leedy "Alliance"? ....."Gretsch "Bombers"? ......Neither names are correct and I'm not sure where the author came up with them. In his defense, Mr. Aldridge's book was written in the early 1990's, I believe- way before the internet, drum forums, drum shows, and all the other vintage drum books and sources that have been available since then.

Leedy WWII drums were indeed called "Dreadnought" , not "Alliance" and Gretsch WWII drums were called "Defender" and not "Bombers". If someone can produce something that shows either of those names having ever been used, I will be prepared to eat my words. Won't be the first time! :-)

Thanks very much for the kind words. I really appreciate it. To be honest, it's pretty impossible to be an "expert" on the subject, as there are so many vintage drum mysteries, inconsistencies, incomplete or contradictory information, etc. For me, learning about vintage drum history is a continuing process and I am still learning new things nearly every day, even after doing this for 30 years.

Posted on 12 years ago
#3
Posts: 750 Threads: 69

From hardbopman

sorry...this is what they look like[Attachment: 55242]

I forgot to mention that your Leedy set is extremely cool. The first time I've seen a set like that in Black Diamond Pearl. A real beauty!

Posted on 12 years ago
#4
Posts: 6524 Threads: 37

hardbopman,

As far as I understand, Dreadnaught was the series. On this site you can find Two of the outfits under the Dreadnaught series, The Commando and Victor, Both military related. Alliance is also military related and it is entirely possible that this outfit was made. I`ve never seen it, it would carry the same Dreadnaught badge too.

Make any sense ?

It`s a drum,.....Hit It !!

.....76/#XK9207 Phonic Sound Machine D454/D-505 snares !i
Posted on 12 years ago
#5
Posts: 6524 Threads: 37

The two actual catalog references here on this site are for the Leddy Victor oufit with 7x14 snare, 14x26 BD and 7x11 and9x13 single tension toms, then the Comando outfit, 7x14 snare, 14x26 BD and 7x11 single tension tom.

These are actual catalog references. We know this is what Leedy sold them as advertised and is not rumor or guess work.

What are your sizes ?

It`s a drum,.....Hit It !!

.....76/#XK9207 Phonic Sound Machine D454/D-505 snares !i
Posted on 12 years ago
#6
Posts: 6524 Threads: 37

By the way,...your kit looks dynamite !i

It`s a drum,.....Hit It !!

.....76/#XK9207 Phonic Sound Machine D454/D-505 snares !i
Posted on 12 years ago
#7
Posts: 9005 Threads: 266

Cheeses, Mary & Joseph, what a beautiful and classy-looking drum set that is! I would never gig a kit like that one, but it was made for jazz gigs in smokey rooms, people dancing and drinking the night away. Imagine the possible places and history that kit has seen.

Beautiful man, just beautiful.

John

Too many great drums to list here!

http://www.walbergandauge.com/VintageVenue.htm
Posted on 12 years ago
#8
Posts: 917 Threads: 39

that kit is dangerous! Please send it to me for "safe" keeping.

I will gladly send you another set in return of far "safer" drums.

LoLoLoLo

Posted on 12 years ago
#9
Posts: 750 Threads: 69

Unfortunately, there are no WWII era catalogs. All we can go by are magazine ads and things like that.

Posted on 12 years ago
#10
  • Share
  • Report
Action Another action
Something else here