Rogers Powertone Snare Drum Serial Numbers
One way to authenticate vintage snare drums is via serial number. However, in October of 1962, the company started putting serial numbers on their drums, making it much easier to identify them. Models like the Rogers Powertone Snare Drum are highly stylized pieces and their sized vary from year to year.
Ok, so I want to get my hands on this snare drum but first I have a small series of questions to ask first.1. How can I get my hands on this snare drum?(Please don't leave an answer like 'You're young, shouldn't you know how the internet works?'
Or something like that.)2. What materials and appearances do they come in?(Chrome, Steel, Aluminum, Brass, Etc.)3. How much do you think it would cost for one?4. Do you think this snare drum is 'out of my league?'
(Too good for someone who's only been drumming since May of last year.)If you have questions, please feel free to ask. I've lusted after the Rogers Dyna-Sonic ever since playing one in college years ago (and Rogers had been out of business for at least 5 years by then).There are hardcore collectors for these drums. The 6.5x14 might be a tough bill to fill since the 5x14 was the more popular. The common model was the chrome over brass shell which is what I wanted. But they also made maple ones, and evidently there are different eras depending on the type of lugs they put on it. Obviously, finding a nice wood one is the toughest nut to crack. I think they only came in two ways: chrome over brass, or wooden and wrapped or stained.
The apparent hey-day was when they were being made in the Dayton Ohio plant before the moved to Fullerton, CA.I've seen COB examples on eBay fetch as much as $500+ depending on condition. Wooden ones will cost alot more.
But this may be different now since the economy sucks, it's kind of a buyers market for everything these days. So you may get lucky. Do a search on the internet for Roger's or Vintage Drum collectors, or clubs, you might meet someone who knows someone who can point you in the right direction.However, what ultimately happened to me was the realization that with an old product, no longer in production, you would not be able to get parts if you needed them. The Dyna-Sonic strainer wasn't the simplest mechanism and often if something broke, especially nowadays, it would be hard to get spare parts. I read years ago there was a guy machining replacement parts, but I don't remember who that was or if he's even doing it now.
I figure if the guys at Pro Drum in Hollywood can't get the parts for me, nobody can get the parts. And I've done quite a bit of rummaging around in that shop to kinda know what's there new, and there aren't many parts for Rogers drums, period.That's the only drag about it. The Dyna-Sonics are great drums, but unfortunately, any new ones would be over 25 years now. The hey-day ones will be even older. The one drum I found to be a close replacement (and on a budget) was Tama's Stewart Copeland snare. 5x14, COB, heavy, adjustable strainer on both sides, but not like the Rogers or Ludwig Super-Sensitive strainers, but close enough for me.
I love that drum.Good luck on your quest! However, what ultimately happened to me was the realization that with an old product, no longer in production, you would not be able to get parts if you needed them. The Dyna-Sonic strainer wasn't the simplest mechanism and often if something broke, especially nowadays, it would be hard to get spare parts. I read years ago there was a guy machining replacement parts, but I don't remember who that was or if he's even doing it now. I figure if the guys at Pro Drum in Hollywood can't get the parts for me, nobody can get the parts. And I've done quite a bit of rummaging around in that shop to kinda know what's there new, and there aren't many parts for Rogers drums, period. You're dealing with one of the most expensive production drums ever.Shells were COB or wood.
Rogers Powertone Drum Set
A wood shell Dyna, esp a 6.5' will fetch well over $3000. You'll find a COB 5' for $400-600, 6.5' COB around $1000.If you want a high quality Rogers snare at a smaller cost, get a Powertone.
They're more plentiful, but to not have the 'framed' snares of the Dyna. Everything else is the same drum.Dynasonic is great, but the snares and getting them adjusted can be tempermental (as in I've thrown away brand new snares because they would not adjust with the frame.once you have a Dyna, you'll understand what I mean). I think you'd be happier with a Powertone.My dad helped with a lot of the research for Rob Cook's outstanding book on Rogers (his picture is on one of the first pages). Marys, OH - which is about 30 minutes drive from the old factory in Covington, OH (not in Dayton - offices were in Dayton). Joe Thompson lived in Covington, I've been to the house and old factory; met people who built the Dynasonic in Covington. The Dynasonic snare is not that hard to set up.
I bought a 1975 COB 5x14 Dynasonic for 200 bucks on Ebay over a year ago. It's in great shape.no dents or dings.all original. Not a mint nor collectable drum.just a player.I installed new Puresound snare wires on the drum and it sounds great. There is an excellent write up on the Vintage drum site as to how to set one up.Good luck in finding one if you still are interested. Oh.and for the record.I own a 1968 Ludwig, 5x14 Super Sensitive and the Dyna beats it in sound and sensitivity. At least that's my opinion. Prices on a 6.5 Dyna-Sonic will vary from low to nearly 5K, depending on condition, shell and or color of pearl, originality, serial number/production era.As for parts, there are a lot of them.
Rogers Snare Drums For Sale
They arent cheap.I have a matched pair. Ten ply all maple shell, consecutive serial numbered, Big R 6.5 inchers that would not go for less than 2500.00.This drum was manufactured from 1961-1984.
There are a ton of variations in construction, however the design and basic COB shell remained the same thru the majority of that time.I own twelve Dyna-Sonic snare drums. I will probably have a few more in the future.