Drum and Drumming Questions

TDE - Thanks to our TDE drummers - Contest

2010-06-02T17:58:00.001-07:00

Not just a newsletter! A contest for drummers. We have stuff to give-a-way and we came up with an Easter Drumming Egg Hunt! Our first contest is to find the Easter Conga Drum!

So to sign up for TDE newsletter Click Here

Thanks

The Drum Experts

Ludwig Speed King Pedal Question - Cleaning

2009-10-07T06:35:00.000-07:00

I recently acquired some drum parts in a cardboard box. Some of the parts included a very rusty Speed King hihat stand and a Speed King bd pedal. I've cleaned the pedal up but can't get the end-caps off (maybe I shouldn't do that I don't know) the ends of the horizontal shaft. I did take the bottom screws out of the vertical stays and got the springs and (cam-rods?) out -cleaned and replaced. It seems to work okay - it's a little beaten up though.

Thoughts on the end-caps?

Is there a site where I can look at "exploded" diagrams of these two Speed King items? Can I get replacement parts (I haven't looked at your site yet - but I will as soon as I send this email off).

Is there any way I can tell how old these two pieces of hardware are?

The Drum Experts Say...

Hello and thanks for your question. We do not recommend taking the ends caps off of the pedal. We do have answers to your questions on different parts of the network of web sites. If you want to read about restoration, there is a forum post that is on-going. Unless the pedal has seen 1,000's of hours of use it should not need replacement parts. A good cleaning should bring it back to life. The only other option for parts is purchase another used Speed King on eBay.

Ludwig Speed King Pedal Restoration

We also have the original pedal that was in the Ludwig Drum Factory that Ludwig would use to show people the internal parts of the pedal. We have detailed photos on our Vintage Drum Guide.

Ludwig Speed King Pedal Parts

In regards to the year, they made the same pedal for so many years, unless it is an earlier version finding a year is next to impossible. Usually people just say a 70's Speed King. Without seeing it if course it is hard to know for sure what version you have.

Thanks for your question

The Drum Experts

Drum Lessons - Practice Frequency

2009-08-24T17:20:00.000-07:00

I'm New to Rudiments. My questions:

1. When should I practice (every day, once a week????)
2. How long should I practice? (10 Min, 20 min, 30 Min?)
3. When should I see some good headway and hear some good rolls. 1 year?

The Drum Experts Say.....

1. When should I practice (every day, once a week????)
It should be part of your daily practice.

2. How long should I practice? (10 Min, 20 min, 30 Min?)
Let's determine how you are practicing them and which rudiments. If you are talking the 26 standard rudiments which ones are you currently working on?

3. When should I see some good headway and hear some good rolls. 1 year?
This depends on a lot of factors, but when I was teaching depending on the age of the student it was about a year. Some took longer and some picked it up faster.

The rudiments should be practiced slow-fast-slow. The fastest speed should never be a speed where you lose control. You always go to the point where it keeps the same sound and control. Then every once in a while push the limit.

Drumming is more about control and groove. If you are sacrificing your grip to increase speed then that will hurt your playing in the long run.

David Anfuso
The Drum Experts

Rogers 9/72 Label

2009-08-13T07:13:00.000-07:00

Does anyone know if the '9/72' on Rogers serial no. stickers has any significance please? (eg., is it a date reference?).
Thanks for any help.

The Drum Experts Say.....

The Rogers 9/72 white label/badge was installed on Fullerton, CA built Rogers drums, then owned by CBS/Fender. Rogers historians, myself included!, have found out that this particular label/badge did indeed begin life in September of 1972, but was used in ALL Rogers drums built from then until almost TWO YEARS later! So...

One could conceivably have a drum set that is actuality a 1973 or even 1974, and still have the 9/72 label/badge. I guess CBS/Rogers figured "close enough for jazz" with regard to the use of the "dated" little white label/badge. Typically though, as has been said so many times: They were just building drums back then without a thought or notion as to what would happen 30 or 40 years later with regard to enthusiasts trying to date every little washer and fastener. It does make it interesting though, and the research is actually kind of fun!

SD7K Mapping & EXS-24 Software Sampler

2009-08-12T09:33:00.000-07:00

I recently came into possession of a SD7K (cheapo) electronic drum kit. I'm trying to map it on the exs24 in logic - its a pain in the butt, what I really want to do is map it to EZDrummer as it has way better sounds - how can I do this?

I need to do this on the cheap - is there a midi to AI unit that will do this for me or make it easier or possible? Or do I have to get more software - or just settle for mapping it to the exs24 and if that's the case how does one program the high hat peddle?

Please point me in the right direction, I've been on the net for weeks trying to find some answers and its been fruitless.

The Drum Experts Say.....

The SD7K uses General MIDI drum mapping. Thankfully, so does EZDrummer. Linking the two should be pretty straight forward.

The SD7K has both a MIDI out and a USB MIDI connection. Once you have it connected, make sure that EZDrummer is listening on Channel 10. That is the only channel the SD7K transmits on. EZDrummer should now hear the MIDI notes and play the right sound. The Hi-Hat pedal transmits on CC4. I am not sure how much data is actually transmitted, it may be just open, close and splash - it may be more.

If all else fails, EZDrummer will allow you to map the SD7K notes to their drums. This is time consuming, but you only have to do it once.

Michael Render

Thanks Michael for your expert advice!

Jim Spenner
The Drum Experts

Rogers Bass Drum Hoop

2009-07-13T20:57:00.000-07:00

Description: What kind of BD hoops are on a 20" Dayton-era BD? (material, color, width, inlay, etc). For reference, I am restoring a 20" red sparkle holiday BD.

The Drum Experts Say....

Material Maple/wood
Color Semi-gloss black
Width 1.5"
Inlay 1/2" wide

Yamaha Early 80's Stage Kit Shells

2009-07-09T09:14:00.000-07:00

Hello I am in need of the shell type or configuration for the early 80-mid 80's stage kit and did Yamaha produce an all maple kit during that time?

The Drum Experts Say.....

Hello and thanks for your question.

There were 3 lines for most of the 80's. The Recording Customs were all Birch shells. The Tour Series were a combination of Birch and Mahogany and the Stage 2 drums used layers of mahogany with a single inner ply of beech. (1986)

In the early 80's basically the same shells except the Stage Series were all Philippine Mahogany.

Dave Anfuso
The Drum Experts

Yamaha Drum Shells in the 80's

2009-07-09T09:09:00.000-07:00

What wood or woods was used for these shells and the plies? 10x10,10x12,12x14,14x16,16x22. Model # TT-810GP etc.ser# JZ.

Thanks for your help.

The Drum Experts Say.....

The Tour Series Shells were a combination of birch and mahogany plys. In the early 80's the tour series were all mahogany. (from the 1986 catalog)

Dave Anfuso

The Drum Experts

Rogers Drums Hierarchy

2009-06-25T13:41:00.000-07:00

Description: hey guys, I'm wondering what the hierarchy is for 60's rogers drums (from lowest to highest quality), ie. luxor powertone, tower, holiday etc. any help is greatly appreciated thanks

The Drum Experts say......

Easy enough to answer... but only to a degree as Rogers switched out "names" over the years for the SAME MODEL. So with that said, here's the order... and this will only include their "upper end" drums, in other words: No Banner... Spotlight... etc. So, from HIGHEST to LOWEST, but of course lowest doesn't mean low quality by any means! Here ya go:

Dynasonic ( wood and COB )
Holiday ( which became... )
Powertone ( wood and COB )
Tower
Luxor
Mercury

The Drum Experts

Ludwig Fold Out Bass Drum Spurs

2009-06-03T18:17:00.000-07:00

I am looking for a set of fold out spurs with their mounting bracket for my 60's Ludwig Kit. Do you know where I could get these parts? How much do you think they would cost?

The Drum Experts Say.....

We have a large drum forum with people that sell drum parts. You would need to join and then post in the wanted section. http://www.vintagedrumforum.com

Rogers Lugs Question

2009-06-03T18:07:00.000-07:00

Hi,

I have a 70's Rogers bass drum, and the lugs don't have springs inside them. When did they start making them without the springs inside the lugs ?

Thanks,

The Drum Experts Say....

The Rogers beavertail lugs that "featured" the "C" clip on the threaded insert came in around 1975, and continued till the end. That said, his bass drum is at LEAST a 1975. Best to you!!

Pearl Drums Finish Question

2009-05-30T19:00:00.000-07:00

My brother has a set of Pearl drums and the base drum has a split in it's shell cover .Is there any replace shell covers for these or do you have to replace the whole drum ?If so where can I find them thank you for your time it's a Pearl Export 7pc set and the base is a 22"

The Drum Experts Say...

Hello and thanks for the question. It really depends on the problem with the finish and the type of finish the drum has. There might a be a suitable replacement finish that you can use. The drum can be saved, so can you send a photo of the finish?

Also, if the split is not that bad it can be fixed so that you can just keep the drum original. There are professionals that do this with vintage drums and if done correctly the split is hardly noticed. This of course depends on a lot of factors and without a photo hard to know the best way to go with your drum.

Thanks

The Drum Experts

Rogers Power Tone Serial Number

2009-05-20T07:43:00.000-07:00

I have a Rogers PowerTone Snare with serial # 22167. It also has a white pad on the muffler and paper tag with a Fullerton, CA. build address. I figure it's early '70s any other info you could provide would be great.

Thank you

The Drum Experts Say....

This particular Powertone, with that Fullerton tag/serial of #22167, sits right on the cusp of the Dayton to Fullerton switchover... so ... I would say that this drum is a 1970. Being that it is a Dayton/Fullerton, it may still have the NICE heavier Beavertail lugs, prior to the lighter later Fullerton manufacture.

One way to tell is to see if the lugs are the spring/felt threaded insert type as opposed to the "C" ring/clip threaded insert... ( viewable right where the tension rod screws into the insert ) ... otherwise, most COB Powertone snare drums are pretty much the same
Tommyp

Pearl Custom Z Snare Drum Lugs

2009-05-07T05:36:00.001-07:00

Description: I am looking for lugs for a pearl custom Z snare drum. 14x6.5 and I need at least 5 bit will purchase all that are for sale.

Thanks

The Drum Experts say.......

Thanks for your question to the Drum Experts.

I usually send these parts requests to our drum forum where there are over 4000 members. All drummers! Vintage Drum Forum

We do not have these lugs in our vintage inventory, but the drummers on the forum might.

Another options is to create a saved search on eBay. Then when an item comes up matching your search, you will get an email.

I would also get a photo of the exact lug and drum prior to posting it on the forum so all of the guys know the exact lug you need.

Thanks

The Drum Experts

Slingerland Drum Set Age and History

2009-05-07T05:27:00.000-07:00

I have a slingerland jazz drumset in gold sparkle that was handed down to me a number of years ago. the Serial number oval shaped badge on it contains the following words: Slingerland, Chicago, ser numb 6641. any idea what time period 6641 would be from? i've been told this is a 60's set but i think it was bought used in the 60s and was actually a 50's set. Please help!

The Drum Experts Say......

Hello and thanks for your question.

We have a bunch of history on the main web site about Slingerland Drums. Please visit:

Vintage Drum Guide

On the home page you will see a Slingerland Catalog Image - click on that.

Then there is a ton of Slingerland history including serial number and badge dating guides.

Slingerland was not using serial numbers in the 1950's. So that puts the drums between 1962 and 1970 when the Brass and black oval badge was being used.

A photo would clear all of that up. You should visit the site and dig into the information.

The serial number puts it around 1964. You can view the graph documented by the Slingerland Expert DrCJW under his Slingerland Section. DrCJW is the leading expert on Slingerland Drums and History.

Thanks

David Anfuso
The Drum Experts

Odd size 25" bass drum heads

2009-05-07T05:17:00.000-07:00

Description: I have a vintage bass drum that is in good shape except for the heads. I looked for heads on the internet and haven't been able to find any 25". I guess nobody makes that size anymore? I don't want to pay more than the drum is worth just to get heads. Do you know of any place that sells non-standard size heads?

The Drum Experts Say...

Hello and thanks for your question.

I would first like to know if you measured the drum in different spots? Maybe the drum is possibly not in round and out of shape.

That is just a thought, but if everything checks out then we have a large drum forum where you can post a wanted request.

The forum is here: Vintage Drum Forum

Drummers help other drummers so if someone has the head they will trade or sell for it if they do not want it. Or they might know a location of where to buy them.

The other route is to ask Remo to make the head. I know they will make metric heads for the European sized drums and are great at making the customer happy. That of course is a more expensive option.

The last and final option is to set up an Ebay search under your My Ebay preferences for 25" bass drum heads. Then when something is listed that matches that search you will get an email.

Thanks

David Anfuso
The Drum Experts

2009-05-07T05:04:00.001-07:00

Hello,

I am trying to find some one that can give me a little more info on a drum set I have. It is a Ludwig and I have done some research and found it to be around the 1960’s era. I have attached some photos, the set is pretty much in GREAT shape with some cosmetic flaws but the wood is in EXCELLENT shape. It is wood with a lacquer finish and there are 4 drums, the serial numbers have thrown me off because there are seven digits and every place I have looked only shows SN’s with 6 digitis. I am in the process of changing the heads out, the sizes are as follows Bass drum 16X26, Tom Tom 14X14 Floor Tom 18x17 and Slingerland snare 8X14. I was going to sale the set but have decided to keep it for my own use, I paid $80.00 for the set that you see in the pics. ANY help would GREATLY be appreciate.

Thank you

The Drum Experts Say......

Hello and thanks for your question.

The reason that the serial numbers do not match up is that these are not vintage Ludwigs. That set is newer. The Slingerland snare drum is not a true Slingerland but an import version from a company called Music Yo.

They had the rights to make drums and import them in to the country under the Slingerland name.

Still a super price at $80 and worth more for sure. With that info you should be able to research them better.

Also, someone refinished them in that color. The missing grommets and the stain on the bearing edge are an indication the finish was changed or altered.

If you have more questions, feel free to ask.

Dave Anfuso
The Drum Experts

Chruch drum set volume and bottom heads

2009-05-06T12:30:00.000-07:00

Description: I just went from electronic to acoustic drums and our church has a new sanctuary that echoes (hard walls and ceiling) like crazy. I have always played my acoustics in the past with no bottom heads, but now my drums seem to be overpowering in the church's huge sanctuary. I have tried gel muffles, rings and now need to know - will bottom heads keep the drums any quieter or is that a non-issue to the volume?

The Drum Experts Say.......

Hello and thanks for your question.

This is a common situation and there really is only one way to stop this from happening. That would be to isolate the drums in a booth and mic them directly.

Sound shields only stop the drums from entering the mic's of your worship team and enhance the sound reflection into the back wall. This is creating the echo delay that the drummer hears back when he/she is playing

The funny part is that is why many churches switch to electronic drums to avoid the exact situation you are describing.

The other alternatives like bottom heads, smaller drums, different sticks, and muffling are just small fixes to the bigger problem. Plus many churches have different drummers and each plays a little different in volume and style.

Dave Anfuso
The Drum Experts

Ludwig Rail Consolette

2009-05-05T18:53:00.000-07:00

Dear Sirs

What is the correct Rail Consolette for my 22"x14" Bass Drum, manufactured Dec. 8, 1960?

Thank you.

The Drum Experts Say......

Here is an article that goes in to more detail about Tom Mounts and hardware.

Tom Article Click Here

It should answer this question. Also go to the main web site

Vintage Drum Guide and click on Ludwig and look through all
of the catalogs.

If you need more help after you take a look at the material then please let us know

David
The Drum Experts

Henry Potter Snare Drum

2009-05-05T18:50:00.000-07:00

Dear SirI have a drum marked as follows on the brass shell reading as follows: Henry potter and co36-38 west street Charing cross road London. There is a unicorn head above the name and address.It has a red and blue and a white wavy line on both upper and lower rings.It still has its rope and leather straps to alter the tone.I would be interested in finding out how old the snare drum is.Thank you for your time.

The Drum Experts Say......

Some photos would really help. In the 1800's is when rope tension drums were made, however they are still made and used today.

So other characteristics like the gut wires, strainer and the marking might help.

Without photos, there is not much for me to go on...

Thanks

David

Simmons Electronic Drums - Vintage

2009-05-05T16:48:00.000-07:00

where on earth can i find a simmons electronic drum set with the hexagonal pads??

DW Drumset Question

2009-05-05T16:47:00.000-07:00

Hi TDE!

I've just got hold of a 1996 DW maple kit from a friend who I'm going to sell itfor, and I wondered what it's official title is (i.e. collectors, etc.) Also, it hasa deep red wood finish, do you know the technical name for that as well? My friend got hold of these second hand, do you know how much they used to go fornew? Basically, any info on this era of DW drums and this particular kit would bemuch appreciated, thanks!