My very first drum which I've had since I was 5 is a Ludwig Pioneer, 8 lugs, nickel over brass. It's a fantastic sounding drum which I still use quite often. My question is this. It doesn't have the original badge. Is there any way of finding out what year it was made? It's 6 1/2" deep. I have an old strainer that came with it but I don't believe it's a Ludwig strainer. It's also old. Straight flat piece of metal that sticks up to the top of the drum. I've put a newer strainer on as the old one would keep slipping the snare off. I also have both original hoops but have found that putting a double flange hoop on top sounds better than the original single flange. I've looked thru pics in Ludwig catalogues online but can only find pics of a 6 1/2" with that tube lug spacing from 1918 (which was a 6 lug), and 1941, but I'm sure they made this model until the 50s. Anyone know of another way to tell the age? Thanks.
Ludwig Pioneer Snare Last viewed: 7 hours ago
Please post photos so we can see what you're talking about.
Here are shots of the drum. The only hole I found that could have been for a badge was at the butt plate. Most of the pics I found showed the badge near the throw off. The third pic is of the original throw off that was on the drum.
http://www.vintagedrumforum.com/images/attach/jpg.gif
I should add that my father bought me this drum from a pawn shop. Just so there's no confusion, I'm not as old as the drum!
I should add that my father bought me this drum from a pawn shop. Just so there's no confusion, I'm not as old as the drum!
Welcome to the forum Rayvonr! Interesting drum for sure! I'll some of the more qualified members answer on this one.
"People might look at you a bit funny, but it's okay. Artists are allowed to be a bit different."- Bob Ross
"After silence, that which comes closest to expressing the inexpressible is music..." - Aldous Huxley
That's a Slingerland Professional Model. Lates 1920s - 1930s. I have the same drum. The top hoop is incorrect. It should look just like the bottom hoop. Single flange with claws. There never was a badge on the drum. To my knowledge, the only production mark is on the original snare lever.
That being said, it is a fantastic drum.
I love that drum! Welcome.
Chicago Dave, a Slingerland? The shell looks identical to the Pioneer other than the breathing hole was not in the same spot. Interesting. Do you think the shells for both companies made from the same place? I do have the original top hoop and claws. I recently put it back on, but I prefer the sound I get with a newer double flanged on top. However, I have put a double flanged on the bottom and it destroyed the drum's sound, so I go with the original on the bottom and newer on top. There are no markings on the throw off that came with the drum.
And you're right Dave, it does have a great sound. :)
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