Slingerland Drum Company
Slingerland is a United States manufacturer of drums. The company was founded in 1912 and enjoyed several decades of prominence in the industry before the 1980s. After ceasing operation in the early 1980s, Slingerland was acquired by Gibson, who briefly revived it and owned it until November 2019, before selling Slingerland to DW Drums, who announced the intention of re-launching the brand.[1][2] Slingerland is strongly associated with jazz drummers, such as Gene Krupa[3] and Buddy Rich, who played signature instruments made by the company. Although primarily known for its drums, in the 1930s Slingerland also produced electric and acoustic guitars, violins, mandolins, banjos and ukuleles.
"Slingerland" redirects here. For people with the name, see Slingerland (surname).Formerly
Slingerland Banjo Company
Privately held company (1913–late 1970s)
Brand (late 1970s–present)
1913 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
Henry Heanon Slingerland
Worldwide
Manufacturing[edit]
For most of the company's pre-1970s history, Slingerland's manufacturing processes were not standardized in the way that modern large-scale manufacturing companies' are. Exceptions to nearly every strict product taxonomy existed. This is due in large part to the fact that parts would often be left over from year to year and would be used by workers even though some of those parts had been officially discontinued from the line.
Legacy[edit]
Jean-Paul Gaster of the American rock band Clutch uses Slingerland drums, and is described as one of the last drummers to play rock using "vintage weapons," besides Neil Hennessy of the punk rock band the Lawrence Arms.[11]
Jamie Oliver, veteran drummer of English punk rock band UK Subs, frequently appears live with his beloved vintage silver tone Slingerland.