In the late 1960s Slingerland drums were very popular. The late 60s Slingerland catalog boasted that Slingerland had the largest and most modern drum plant in the world, and they also claimed to be the largest manufacturer of drum equipment in the world. Slingerland manufactured all the parts for their products. Today even drums assembled in America are made of mostly imported parts. The quality of these fine all American made drums was extremely good. I have found Ludwigs from the late 1960s that were pretty shoddy, but the old Slingerlands are always good. Slingerland drums were in almost all the schools across the country, and they were played by many top artists as well. I have always had a special interest in Slingerland since I played a gold sparkle marching Slingerland snare drum during my high school days.
The drum set I am featuring from my collection this month is a Slingerland Modern Jazz Outfit catalog number 9N. The drum sizes are 20X14, 14X14, 12X8, and a 14X5 Sound King chrome over brass 8 lug snare drum with a "Zoomatic" strainer. All drums have "Rim Shot" rims. I always call these rims "Stick Savers", but I saw that they weren't called that in the late 60s catalog. The interiors are coated with the tan or "chocolate milk" paint used in the late 1960s. The Niles, Illinois badges are black and brass ovals with serial numbers. The awesome feature about these drums is the ultra-cool Gold Satin Flame Pearl wrap. I just love the Satin Flame wraps. The wrap looks so good on these drums. I'm always looking for the "pot of gold" and this sweet drum set is just that.
This wonderful set came from my friend Stewart Ray who owns Center Stage Music in Augusta, Georgia. Stewart is a very good drummer himself, so we always talk "drums" when I get to see him. Stewart called me to ask some questions about this kit. He did some cleaning on them and put them in the store, but continued to offer them to me at a bargain. I was hoping someone else would buy them, because I have more drums than I have room for. I finally made it to the store, and when I saw them I had to have them. There's just something about a vintage drum set that I simply can't resist. They call my name and say, "Phil, take us home with you." I have really enjoyed playing gigs with this very cool kit because they really look and sound great.