Premier Super Ace 5.5x14 snare drum, likely from 1958. All original except for the heads. Snare throw off and parallel system are fully functional. 1950s script logo badge, but smaller than normally seen. This indicates that it is likely an early version of the Super Ace. I purchased this from a small boutique in Italy, where it had been sitting unused for many years.
3-ply birch shell with solid beech re-rings. Wrap has yellowed mostly evenly.
You’ll need a Premier slotted drum key, which is not included.
from Not So Modern Drummer: Premier launched the Ace snare drum in the 30’s, which progressed through various design changes over the decades until becoming the Royal Ace in the 1960s. Prior to its final incarnation, In 1958 Premier launched the ‘Super Ace’ in their 1958 catalog as ‘Premiers greatest achievement’. With its exclusive parallel snare mechanism, it boasted perfect response with heads and snare wires at any tension, with absolutely no snare buzz when the wires were thrown off.
The shell had a lever midway, which gave the player control of the internal snare mechanism. Moving the lever up or down effectively switched the snares on or off (via a bar positioned horizontally through the shell, with the butt ends attached). The design of the lever and the butt ends are very art deco, chromium plated to the highest standard, as expected on all vintage Premier. Their chrome really was second to none. The drum featured flush braced lugs, slot tension rods and die cast hoops (with shallower rims than previous drums to ‘allow for faster playing’).
Shipping to the US 48 States only. Local pickup welcomed.