The Rarest Snare Drum In the World

Billy Gladstone 6x14 Birdseye Maple Custom Snare Drum with Gold Plated Hardware

Billy Gladstone was one of the percussion world's most legendary figures; a masterful snare drum virtuoso, teacher, inventor and master craftsman.

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Professional Tonbak Small
Professional Tonbak Small
$399.99
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Professional Tonbak Large
Professional Tonbak Large
$899.99
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Professional Daf Small
Professional Daf Small
$349.99
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Professional Daf Large
Professional Daf Large
$449.99
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Billy Gladstone 6x14 Birdseye Maple Custom Snare Drum with Gold Plated Hardware

Billy Gladstone was one of the percussion world's most legendary figures; a masterful snare drum virtuoso, teacher, inventor and master craftsman. Billy only built just over 50 snare drums, many of which have not survived. His drums were prized possessions for serious drummers both then and now. This snare is reputed to be the last drum that Billy built. Of the 50 drums he built, only four snares were made with birdseye maple and gold plated hardware. Billy built snare drums for many great drummers including Gene Krupa, Shelly Manne, Ted Reed, Buddy Rich, Cozy Cole, Ray Reilly and Louis Bel...

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The Rarest Snare Drum in the World : In Conclusion

Billy Gladstone 6x14 Birdseye Maple Custom Snare Drum with Gold Plated Hardware This is the most collectible snare currently available for sale today! The artistry, history and rarity put this instrument in a class of it's own. Hand built by Billy Gladstone between 1957and 1959 - allegedly the last snare drum Billy made. The nameplate reads: "Billy Gladstone Radio City Music Hall". The only other snare to have Billy's name on it was the drum he performed on at Radio City Music Hall. He performed a drum clinic with this drum at Roy Harte's Drum City in California in 1959! The drummer f...

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The Rarest Snare Drum in the World - Part 3

  In this weeks' installment of "The Rarest Snare in the World!" we will discuss the legacy of William D. Gladstone. Through our experience with this snare drum, we at Soul Drums have discovered a truly amazing instrument and the depth of the genius of Billy Gladstone. Thankfully there are historians, drummers and collectors that have provided us with their details of research that honour the lifetime of invention and music of Billy. We are humbled and deeply appreciative - thank you.  William D. Gladstone 1892-1961 Born in Rumania December 15, 1892 (his father was the supervisor of the ...

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Unit #10

North York

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Monday - Thursday : 10am - 9pm

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Saturday : 10am - 5pm

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416 225 5295

1 800 305 7685

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