Vintage Drums Index

Vintage Drum Photos and Information, Contributed by Drummer Friends

Here, drummer friends can share photos and information about their vintage drum gear.

Thanks, to all contributors.
- Mike James

Personal Note: I have some vintage drums for sale.

I know that a lot of you who visit this page like vintage drums, so this seems like the appropriate place for this info. I've been holding onto some vintage drums for a while now, and am ready to sell them, as I see that I won't be using them. If you're interested in some nice vintage Slingerland drums, here's what I've got. (That's all... No other drums) Email me if you're interested.

From the 1950's:

A 26-inch Radio King Bass Drum, and a 9X13 tom, in matching "Duco" finish. With the exception of heads, (not included) and a few tension rods for the bass drum, (easily replaced, since they're standard American thread) these drums are ready to play. And, this finish is one of the easiest to add a plastic wrap finish to, since the lacquer has negligible thickness. $700 plus shipping. Sorry the photos aren't better, but my digital camera died, and I took these with my cell phone camera. They match, and look like the bass drum photo. Neither of these drums has had any holes drilled for hardware such as bass drum spurs or tom holders, etc., so you can add whatever you like, with no holes to fill.

Vintage-style "Brush Fire Classics" brushes, by Tom Osborne.

Note from Mike James: These are the nice, lightweight brushes we grew up with. (Red ribbed rubber handle, wire loop end)

Tom Osborne's history with these brushes:

"I'm Donny Osborne's brother and have been making brushes for some years only because my brother couldn't find the old Slingerland type of brush they used to produce years ago. This is the same exact brush that Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich used during their careers and is the same brush Don is using now.I worked for Slingerland as a supervisor for fourteen years so that's how I knew how to make these brushes. Because Buddy used the drums for many years and my father knew him very well, I of course got to know him and developed an ear for what Buddy wanted in snare drums and I ended up being that guy who made and tuned his snare drums when needed. I saw the band enough and got to know what he wanted and always remembered the sound he would explain to me. I still remember the sound to this day and could do it again if he were still alive."

"Anyway the brush name I use is "BRUSH FIRE" I would like to call this particular pair "Brush Fire Classics". I cannot use anyone's name at this point because of legalities and permission to do so. I retail the brushes for 20.00 a pair plus shipping and handling. To order, email me at tlosborne@hotmail.com."

Mike James - Vintage Slingerland "Radio King" drums

If you click here or on the "Vintage Drums" link near the top of the page, you'll go back to my page, describing my past and present equipment.

Click here to see my equipment.

"TommyP" - Vintage Rogers drums

TommyP is an avid collector of vintage equipment, including both Rogers and Slingerland. He was the first person in recent times to share photos of his gorgeous Rogers sets with me, and it's my pleasure to share them with you.

Tommy has also sent some photos and info on another find... some vintage 1948 Ludwig (WFL) drums, in the traditional "Buddy Rich" configuration. Check 'em out!

Click here to see Tommy's equipment.