Old, Old Field Drum

[nik12]

Let me preface this by stating I've been looking for some interesting pieces to add to my collection. Scouring classified in my area has turned up a few items, but this one, for some reason, caught my eye.

I don't know much about vintage drums, but I know this drum looks pretty old. Aside from it looking like an ancient field drum with calf skin heads and cable snares, I can't tell much else about it. There is no information given on it other than it has no manufacturer marking and that it was refinished not too long ago.

Somethings worry me such as being able to source new heads (or new head materials, or maybe I can fit modern heads to it?) and that with the way the tension system is laid out, both heads will be under the same tension (but this is just the way these drums are I suppose). Also, you can see in the one picture that the batter side wood hoop is a bit warped, but considering the drum's potential age...Ultimately, I'd be able to determine a whole lot more by going to check it out in person.

After looking through some listings on ebay, I found a couple similar drums with very similar hoop hooks (maybe they were generic?) dated to the 20's. Most of those are either confirmed or suspected as old Leedy drums. The pictures on ebay also tell me that the seller of this particular drum has the wing nuts on the wrong end of the drum.

He's not asking for very much at all, considering I see many old field drums going for $300+.

As far as marching/field drums go, my experience ends with modern designs. I'll be sending the seller some questions about it, but I don't think he knows much either. I figured with the wealth of knowledge here, I should put this out there for any advice, experiences, and general knowledge on such drums.

[erwinner]

Looks similar to an old Leedy & Ludwig parade drum I have.
Yes, modern mylar heads will fit and yes, you don't have independent control of the tension of each head. The tensioners pull both heads equally.
What do you mean going for $300+? Do you ever see them actually selling for that much, or just see them being listed as for sale for $300+? Big difference there. I got my Leedy and Ludwig in complete but rough condition for under $40. And it's not even worth that, IMO. I have a really clean 14x15 Slingerland parade drum and I wouldn't value it at over $100. They just don't have a very useful sound. Can't tune them up very high and the old cable snares aren't very responsive.
Are you planning on integrating one of these into a drumset?

[nik12]

Looks similar to an old Leedy & Ludwig parade drum I have.
Yes, modern mylar heads will fit and yes, you don't have independent control of the tension of each head. The tensioners pull both heads equally.
What do you mean going for $300+? Do you ever see them actually selling for that much, or just see them being listed as for sale for $300+? Big difference there. I got my Leedy and Ludwig in complete but rough condition for under $40. And it's not even worth that, IMO. I have a really clean 14x15 Slingerland parade drum and I wouldn't value it at over $100. They just don't have a very useful sound. Can't tune them up very high and the old cable snares aren't very responsive.
Are you planning on integrating one of these into a drumset?

True enough, I've only seen them listed for that much, and only in my quick, but informative ebay search last night. But it's good to know that I should be looking to not pay more than around $40 for it, seller isn't asking for much more than that anyways.

I have no intention of sticking this on a kit, for all the reasons you've listed and because I'm satisfied with my current line up of snares. It's more of a project drum to tinker with, see if I can't clean it up and make it shine. Perhaps increasing its usefulness by adding some minor modern touches without taking away its old character.

[CoyoteG]

I've said it before, but this is a good thread to say it again. The Value of ANYTHING OLD is in it's original state. The drum you have pictured has already been tampered with, the hoops have NO wear, they look like they just got a fresh coat of paint. To a TRUE collector, that just ruined the "Collector" value of this drum. IF you are buying old drums just to "play around with", then make sure you aren't spending a whole lot of money for them as collector pieces. ANYTHING you do to the drum to make it "More" of anything, more playable, more pleasing to your ear, more better looking; will just destroy the colllector value of the drum. I'm NOT telling you not to do something; but I also don't want to see you take a fairly valuable drum and destroy it by changing or modifying something "just for fun".

[nik12]

I've said it before, but this is a good thread to say it again. The Value of ANYTHING OLD is in it's original state. The drum you have pictured has already been tampered with, the hoops have NO wear, they look like they just got a fresh coat of paint. To a TRUE collector, that just ruined the "Collector" value of this drum. IF you are buying old drums just to "play around with", then make sure you aren't spending a whole lot of money for them as collector pieces. ANYTHING you do to the drum to make it "More" of anything, more playable, more pleasing to your ear, more better looking; will just destroy the colllector value of the drum. I'm NOT telling you not to do something; but I also don't want to see you take a fairly valuable drum and destroy it by changing or modifying something "just for fun".

Yes, I am aware of the golden rule of antiquing. Even though I did preface by stating I wanted to add an interesting piece to my collection, I'm not that sort of collector (i.e. not a 'TRUE collector'). I very much like to tinker I don't plan to spend collector-sized cash on somthing I want to fiddle around with, especially not an original state antique drum. Even beyond the painted hoops, the badge(s) was likely ripped off or painted over when it was "refinished" which instantly ended any chance of this being considered a TRUE collector's item. As such (and reflected in the seller's low price), this drum is already worth little more than its material value.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not discounting your point. It is a fair warning to anyone looking into older objects (not necessarily drums).

[barjack]

That's not an exceptionally valueable or collectable vintage piece of kit, I wouldn't worry about modifying it at all. That's an old CG Conn or Leedy Student "Street" snare, probably two ply. Those 6 rod top-tension models were student drums, the vintage equivalent of CB700 or Sound Percussion. Vintage collectors generally try to sell them for over $100 but I think the $40 pricepoint is more logical. Not all the rules of antiquing (in fact, sometimes very few) apply when working with drums like this, especially if you're considering making it playable piece. If I had that drum in my posession and wanted to play it, I'd probably throw some Adonis single-point cylinder lugs on there and drill it for a picollo strainer. Those shells have lovely birdseye, and are generally 8x14 without the wood hoops- perfect for making into a highly playable vintage drum.

[nik12]

Thanks for the info and advice barjack!

[Chief Pronto]

...are generally 8x14 without the wood hoops- perfect for making into a highly playable vintage drum.

...or two.