Buddy Rich Slingerland Drums-The Two Versions 1968 & 1976

For the first time I (Ken Loomer) set up both Buddy Rich Slingerland 80N drumset versions to show case these important drums which are a big part of drum history. Buddy rejoined Slingerland drums back in January 1968 and stayed with them for a little over ten years until April of 1978. Slingerland which made these drums at the new Niles Illinois USA drum factory was the largest manufacturer of drums in the world at that time. Slingerland made two version of these drums during this ten year period. Slingerland were making great drums during this time and the sound of these drums were just incredible. The first version made in 1968 had the 3 ply shells with the solid rock maple reenforcing hoops. Also the counter hoops were made of chrome covered solid brass. This set came with the Buddy Rich 8 lug Artist model snare with the zoomatic snare strainer. I even had the 6 inch chrome cowbell that this set came with. The Buddy Rich cymbal stands with the black and golds stickers on them had the smaller base when it first came out. As you can see in the video,my drums and stands are in mint condition.This set which I bought in 1971 is the same as in the Slaingerland catalog in 1968. The 2nd version (Made from 1976 to 78) of the Buddy Rich 80N Slingerland drum set which I got in 1977 has the 5 ply maple shell. The cymbal stands now has the wider base to it with the red and silver sticker on them. The new 5 ply snare drum is now the TDR Buddy Rich model with ten lugs and the new TDR snare strainer. The hoop on this snare is the straight edge. The drum sizes for both sets in the famous Marine Pearl finish were two 16x16 inch floor toms, 9x13 inch small tom,5.5x14 inch snare drum, 14x24 inch bass drum. My 2nd version BR kit had the 14x26 inch bass drum. Hardware had two Buddy Rich cymbal stands, rocket snare stand,dynamo hi-hat stand, tempo king bass pedal,two L cymbal arms,set-o-matic tom arm,drum throne,and 6 inch chrome cowbell for the version one set. Like I said these were a big part of drum history and Slingerland drums at that time made some great drums.Very sad that these drums are no longer made and the Gibson company which still owns the rights to the Slingerland name,decided not to make any more Slingerland drums at this time. So if you ever find one of these classic Buddy Rich Slingerland drums, buy it since they will never be made again. If you want to hear these drums,go to any of my Ken Loomer Big Band video`s to see me play these classic drums. I will also be posting some new video`s of me playing on these drums up close. Some of the biggest names in drum history played Slingerland drums like Gene Krupa,Louie Bellson,Neil Peart,Buddy Rich,Jake Hanna, Danny Seraphine,Peter Erskine,Barrett Deems,Bobby Rosengarden,Butch Miles,Donnie Osborne,and the list goes on and on over the years. Every drummer should own at least one vintage classic drums made by Slingerland,Gretsch,Ludwig or Rogers. Like I said,these drums were a big part of drum history and I`m so glad I took great care of these classic drums. For my bio,go to kenloomer.com. If you have any questions about these drums, just let me know. Ken Loomer