the original owner, custom ordered this set in late 1969 and received it in 1970 from Chanute, Kansas.
Read moreTom Mooney 1970 Camco Set
c. 1924 Ludwig 6.5" x 14" Deluxe (Black Beauty)
I still consider this the "gold standard" of all brass snare drums in sound and feel.
Read moreThe Collector
Strolling Through History - I like to do research, and I can tell you a little bit about each of the drums in my “collection”. Aside from the details of the drums, I've learned a lot about history, culture, tradition ... even economics and interpersonal relationships. It's also broadened my understanding and appreciation of the history and culture behind drums.
Rare 1 of a kind French Snare Drum - 1946 MetJazz "Card" custom made
Before its restoration, this instrument was brutalized : metric shell "badly resized" to have a 14", 10 extra-holes, totally flat bearing edges (1cm large), white painted shell interior (wood and screws), like gray painted hoops and nailed wrap... Just an horrible handyman !!…
1936 LEEDY 6.5 x 14 ORIENTAL PEARL/FULL DRESS BROADWAY DUAL MODEL (No. 2182)
A word about Leedy Oriental Pearl vs. Ludwig & Ludwig Abalone Pearl: Personally I think the two finishes are one in the same…
Read more1970s Rogers Londoner Set
It’s Halloween time and I am featuring a spooky "dark side" set of Rogers drums for your enjoyment.
Read moreGretsch Progressive Jazz kit
A friend of mine had come across a set of mismatched champagne sparkle drums that included a Gretsch round badge 5x14 name band snare drum, 8x12 tom and 14x14 floor tom…
Read moreKelli Rae Tubbs's Back In Time Video Series: Sure Fire Machine sound effect
Another great video about the history of drums and sound effects by columnist Kelli Rae Tubbs, featuring Wm F “B3” Ludwig . This one is loud. Hold your ears! :-)
Read moreImmaculate Rogers kit found in an old barn
Here's a beautiful Rogers Red Oynx kit that was found in a barn…
Read moreKelli Rae Tubbs's Back In Time Video Series - The Charleston Pedal
A series on the cymbal's incorporation into modern drum sets with host, Kelli Rae Tubbs. The history-rich videos discuss the transition of cymbals to their c...
Kelli Rae Tubbs takes us back in time again, before the invention of the high hat, and shows us the contraptions drummers invented to play cymbals with their feet.
Read moreHow America’s Bicentennial Impacted Ludwig Drum Dating
One lesson learned here is when you see a listing for a drum from 1976, think twice before believing that date. A related lesson is that if you have drum with a serial number in the lower part of Mr. Cook’s 917xxx – 1290xxx range, do not describe it as being from 1976. There is no harm just listing the serial number and letting others take their best guess. They will probably look it up online, and just perhaps they will see this article and think twice before declaring it to be from 1976.
Read moreWFL Victorious
As I sit here wondering when life will get back to some sort of normal, I am pondering what to write about in a drum article that would make for a good distraction, yet relate to the state of things in the world today. One such drum that comes to mind for me is this WW II era Victorious snare drum. The very name Victorious is something that I think is appropriate because in due time, I feel we will all emerge stronger and victorious from the effects of Covid
Read moreWWII Restriction 1943-1944 Leedy Dreadnaught Victor Set In White Marine Pearl
Please allow me to introduce you to my WWII Restriction 1943-1944 Leedy Dreadnaught Victor Set In White Marine Pearl. I usually can finish a full set restoration in approximately two weeks, this set took almost two months. 11”, 13”, 15” 26”, 6.5” x 14”. It is simply gorgeous now.
Read moreSkip Hadden: Remembering Tony Williams
Several years later I had the opportunity to work at the same club as the Tony Williams Lifetime when they were touring and playing the music that was on the “The OLD Bum’s Rush,” recording. He already had the big yellow Gretsch kit by this time with the 24” bass drum and multiple toms. Each night over the course of the week the band gelled better and on the final night it was truly amazing. The entire night was smoking; one tune would have been worth waiting the week to hear, let alone the whole night.
Read more1928-29 LUDWIG & LUDWIG MARBLE PEARL FAMILY
Ludwig & Ludwig introduced Marble Pearl in 1928 and per Rob Cook’s book Drum Colors The Rebeats Color Swatch Book. This finish was listed from 1928-29, pretty short-lived and very rare. Personally I love the “ugly” finishes from the 1920s-30s.
Read moreDrum History Podcast - Episode 6 - The History of Leedy Drums with Rob Cook
Rob Cook, founder of the Chicago Drum Show and Author of "The Complete History of Leedy Drums" and "The Leedy Way", gives us the complete history of the Leedy Drum Company. The amazing story begins with U.G. Leedy producing snare stands in his apartment in Indianapolis and evolves into becoming the largest manufacturer of drums in the world. Rob also teaches us about George Ways involvement in the rise and fall of Leedy.
Read moreKelli Rae Tubbs's Back In Time Video Series - Pedal Cymbals
Part 2 uncovers another piece of the puzzle of how cymbals made their way from the orchestra to the rock band: the bass drum pedal and a device called a "clanger."
Read moreGuide To Vintage Drums - Leedy Strainers 1923 - 1965
1929-1930 was an important time for the Leedy Manufacturing Company. After the company was sold to Conn, the entire operation was moved from Indianapolis, Indiana to Elkhart, Indiana. The new Leedy company immediately introduced several important design changes which placed them firmly on the cutting edge of drum technology.
Read moreLudwig's Use of Paper Labels in 1971/1972 - Date Stamps and Date Codes
Ludwig's Use of Paper Labels in 1971/1972 - Date Stamps and Date Codes - Rick Gier sheds light on this mystery.
Read moreKelli Rae Tubbs' Back In Time - Sound Effects, Episode 5 - Railroad Imitation with Bill Ludwig III
As a drum historian, Kelli has been collecting vintage and antique drum equipment, method books, photographs, and literature, creating a fine collection of resource material for a deeper understanding of the role her peers from 100 years ago played in the development of the drum set and how those innovations shaped the music we all listen to today. To help document her research, she has created a series of videos that address specific historical drum equipment.