Steve Maxwell Collection 2010 Craviotto “Vintage Tribute” Snare Drum Series
As part of our special offerings for 2010 we’re pleased to announce a special “Vintage Tribute” series focusing on our modern day tribute to the great solid shell snare drum that was the “standard” for so many years: the Radio King.
During their heyday Slingerland’s Radio King snare drums became the standard against which all other wood snares were measured. Even today they retain legendary status among drummers worldwide. The eight lug solid maple shell is legendary and the 3 point strainer was a marvelous example of form and function. Simplicity at it’s finest. And the sound was incredible. Although rare, excellent original examples still exist today and they are one of the most sought after vintage drums for collectors, players, and recording studios alike.
We’ve decided to pay tribute to this great drum with a special run of solid shell Craviotto snares with some unique characteristics. What better way to celebrate this great drum than with instruments from the one and only master of one ply shells, Johnny Craviotto.
Here are the specifics for this series:
- Each drum will be crafted with Johnny Craviotto’s one ply steam bent shell.
- Special 30 degree bearing edges for that extra warm vintage tone.
- All hardware nickel plated.
- Eight solid brass nickel plated Craviotto tube lugs instead of Johnny’s traditional ten lug design
- Die cast rims (nickel plated).
- Three point strainer hand made by master craftsman Adrian Kirchler (nickel plated).
- Craviotto butt plate (nickel plated)
- Each drum will carry the Steve Maxwell Collection name plate identifying the drum as being made by Craviotto and also indicating that each drum is “1 of 1”.
- Special “double inlay” on the natural wood shell models.
- Special: Each of these drums will be named after a famous Slingerland artist from the past and that artist’s name will engraved on the name plate.
- Certificate of authenticity with each drum.
- Very limited production. No two drums will be alike, various different woods will be used depending on the specific drum, and the production run will be limited to seven drums.
Here is a breakdown of the drums we will offer:
1. “Gene”. (ALREADY SOLD) This one is for the most famous Radio King artist of them all, Gene Krupa.
- 7x14 with 16 brass tube lugs (8 per side)
- Maple one ply steam bent shell
- Three point strainer with Craviotto butt plate
- White Marine Pearl wrap
- Black gloss wood hoops with WMP inlays.
- Claw hooks and standard tension rods
- Steve Maxwell Collection name plate, numbered “1 of 1” and inscribed “Gene”
2. “Buddy”. (ALREADY SOLD) This one’s for Buddy Rich, my all time favorite.
- 6.5x14 with 8 brass tube lugs
- Walnut/curly maple/walnut “hybrid” one ply steam bent shell with double row inlays
- Three point strainer with Craviotto butt plate
- Die cast rims
- Steve Maxwell Collection name plate, numbered “1 of 1” and inscribed “Buddy”
- Retail $3750. Your price: $2250
3. “Louie”. This one’s for Louie Bellson who is also one of my all time favorites.
- 6.5x14 with 8 brass tube lugs
- Cherry one ply steam bent shell with two inlays, one about an inch and a half from the top of the shell and one about an inch and a half from the bottom of the shell.
- Three point strainer with Craviotto butt plate
- Die cast rims
- Steve Maxwell Collection name plate, numbered “1 of 1” and inscribed “Louie”
- Retail $3750. Your price $2250
4. “Davey” (ALREADY SOLD) This one is for the great Dave Tough.
- 6.5x14 with 8 brass tube lugs
- Mahogany one ply steam bent shell with two contrasting maple inlays, one about an inch and a half from the top of the shell and one about an inch and a half from the bottom of the shell.
- Three point strainer with Craviotto butt plate
- Die cast rims
- Steve Maxwell Collection name plate numbered “1 of 1” and inscribed “Davey”.
5. “Cozy” This one is for the great Cozy Cole.
- 6.5x14 with 8 brass tube lugs
- Maple one ply steam bent shell with two contrasting walnut inlays, one about an inch and a half from the top of the shell and one about an inch and a half from the bottom of the shell.
- Three point strainer with Craviotto butt plate
- Die cast rims
- Steve Maxwell Collection name plate numbered “1 of 1” and inscribed “Cozy”.
- Retail $3750. Your price $2250
6. “Big Sid” This one is for the one and only Big Sid Catlett
- 6.5x14 with 8 brass tube lugs
- Walnut one ply steam bent shell with two contrasting maple inlays, one about an inch and a half from the top of the shell and one about an inch and a half from the bottom of the shell.
- Three point strainer with Craviotto butt plate
- Die cast rims
- Steve Maxwell Collection name plate numbered “1 of 1” and inscribed “Big Sid”.
- Retail $3750. Your price $2250
7. “Barrett” Steve wanted one of these named after his old friend Barrett Deems. Barrett was Louis Armstrong’s drummer for years and close personal friend of Gene, Buddy and Louie. He was also an incredible drummer who, even at age 65, could outplay pros half his age, and he kept going strong into his 80s. He was probably the most loyal Radio King player I ever met. He absolutely loved that snare drum.
- 6.5x14 with 8 brass tube lugs
- Cherry/curly maple/cherry “hybrid” one ply steam bent shell with two contrasting cherry inlays, one about an inch and a half from the top of the shell and one about an inch and a half from the bottom of the shell.
- Three point strainer with Craviotto butt plate
- Die cast rims
- Steve Maxwell Collection name plate numbered “1 of 1” and inscribed “Barrett”.
- Retail $3750. Your price $2250
These drums will be built as ordered so call Steve at 630-865-6849 or email him at drummermax@aol.com for more information on lead times. Minimally, lead time will be 90-120 days. |
