Slingerland Rolling Bomber Restoration
I have the honor to keep 2 kits in my collection. The first one I got a few years ago, and the second one I put together this year. I had to do some work on some of the drums but it went out great. On some of the pictures you see the drums how they looked before and after the restoration. The kit features a 26″ kickdrum and a 13″ and 14″ racktom with tucked bottom heads.
The Slingerland Rolling Bomber drum set holds a special place in music history, not only because of its unique sound but also due to the circumstances surrounding its creation. Manufactured by the Slingerland Drum Company during World War II, the Rolling Bomber is a fascinating piece of American craftsmanship and ingenuity, crafted in response to wartime material shortages.
Origins of the Slingerland Rolling Bomber
During WWII, essential materials like metal were heavily rationed for the war effort. This posed a significant challenge for companies like Slingerland, which relied on metal for hardware parts on their drum kits. In response, Slingerland had to innovate, finding alternative materials to maintain production. The solution was found in wood. Enter the Rolling Bomber, a drum kit with much of its hardware, including lugs, hoops, and tension rods, made from wood instead of the traditional metal components.
The use of wood wasn’t just a practical decision; it became an artistic and iconic element of the Rolling Bomber. The drum shells were still made from maple, giving the set its characteristic warmth, but the wooden lugs and other parts gave the kit a distinctive look and sound. These wooden lugs, usually made from rosewood or walnut, were hand-carved and remarkably durable for the time.
The Sound and Legacy
While the Rolling Bomber’s appearance was a direct result of material shortages, its sound became beloved by many drummers. The use of wooden hardware gave the drums a warm, organic tone that stood out from other kits of the era. Although slightly different in feel due to the tensioning system, the Rolling Bomber was praised for its responsive sound and durability.
The wartime conditions also imbued the Rolling Bomber with a sense of patriotism, often marketed as a drum set that supported the American war effort. This branding struck a chord with many musicians, who saw the purchase of a Rolling Bomber as both a musical investment and a patriotic act.
Collectible Value
Today, the Slingerland Rolling Bomber is highly sought after by collectors and vintage drum enthusiasts. Its rarity, historical significance, and unique construction make it a prized possession for those interested in the history of drum manufacturing. Original sets in good condition can fetch a significant price on the vintage market, with their combination of craftsmanship and historical connection making them a standout.
The Rolling Bomber is more than just a relic from a bygone era-it’s a testament to the resilience and creativity of American manufacturing during one of the most challenging periods in history. Whether for its distinctive sound or its compelling backstory, the Slingerland Rolling Bomber continues to be celebrated in the drumming community.
