Brought to you by Mark 'Whitey' Cooper
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Here is a brief history of the Slingerland Drum Company from 1923-1970. I have included many photos, which may take a while to load. Unless otherwise noted, all photos are from my personal collection. For more detailed information on Slingerland, please visit the “Guide to Vintage Drums”section of this web site. Some of the same information and photos are featured in both articles. NOTE: While I have made every attempt to provide accurate dates, it is nearly impossible to be 100% accurate. Old catalogs are often vague and contradictory. I am basing my information on catalog information, discussions with other collectors and historians, as well as many years collecting and working on Slingerland drums. Unfortunately, often a “guess” is all that is available! |
It is important to note that while all dates mentioned here are fairly accurate, some cannot be verified. This is due to Slingerland’s occasional use of older badges and hardware on newer drums, contradictory catalog listings, special custom orders, and loose quality control at the factories. In addition, nothing was ever wasted at the Slingerland factories, so it was not uncommon for production workers to use up older parts, badges, and drum shells or to mix and match parts, resulting in some confusion for vintage drum enthusiasts many years later.
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1923: The Slingerland Banjo Company is formed by members of the Slingerland family in Chicago. Initially, only ukuleles, banjos and guitars were made. Drum production began in 1926. |
1928-1933: Slingerland’s first catalog was published in 1928, featuring tube lug snare drums such as the Fancher and Tone Flange models, along with bass drums in various and pearl and sparkle finishes. The tone flange assembly consisted of a thin metal ring that was placed on flat wood screws in the top bearing edge. A fat “hubcap” shaped flange rested on the ring under the head and top hoop. Its purpose was to eliminate unwanted overtones. According to the 1928 catalog, “It rejuvenates and clarifies the tone and staccato notes “pop” out like the crack of a machine gun.” The tone flange was actually still available in the late 1930’s and could conceivably be ordered on a Radio King drum. I have never seen a Radio King thus equipped but it was possible. Tone flanges were made from solid brass with holes, solid aluminum with holes and solid aluminum without holes. I believe the version without holes was the earlier type. |
To the left is an example of a Sea Green Pearl Tone Flange model made by the Liberty Musical Instrument Company of Chicago around 1928. Slingerland purchased the Liberty company around that time.
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