WFL Snare Drums

This video features two of my favorite Snare Drums: a WFL model 900 5.5" x 14" Super Classic better known as the Buddy Rich WFL drum and a 6.5 x 14 model 902 Symphonic Super Classic better known as the Ray McKinley snare drum. They are both from the 1950's and have the 3 ply mahogany shells with maple reinforcement rings. They also both use the great P-87 strainer and feature nickel over brass hardware and rims.
I show you the drums and then play them with the full kit.
The other drums used in this video are Craviotto stacked Private Reserve kit.
The sizes are
Bass Drum 20"x15"
Toms 10"x8" and 12"x8"
Floor Tom 14" x 14"
The Cymbals are:
21" 1950's K Ride
18" 1950's K crash/ride with rivets
16" 1960's K Ride
Masterwork 24" Swish/China with Rivets
15" 1950's K Hi Hats
The sticks are my own Signature Vic Firth maple drum set sticks.
If you are interested in a pair, contact me at [e-mail]

[@steverichdrummr]

Beautiful instruments! They both sound fabulous. My fav: the 5.5, low tuning without muffling, Wow!

[@ACLOCKWORKDRUMMER]

Another classic video!

[@luciencorsini9755]

Great sounding drums and even tastier playing! Thank you for sharing. I am always deeply inspired by your incredible technique and artistry as well as the information you share!

[@harrisonswindler838]

My band teacher Rick Fischer showed me your channel a couple of years ago. Glad I came upon it again.

[@ambroulard]

They are Great Sounding DruMS!! I also Love the Leedy Broadway Snare drum from the same Era.

[@beckbeat]

Beautiful sounding snares and playing!

[@marianograsso8337]

great drumming sir

[@aZeddPrattFilm]

I just sold one recently. I’m happy it’s gone to a good home. I use my Vistalite snare with my vistalite kit primarily now

[@Craigo-xg5mc]

Right after this posted I ran across a WFL Ray McKinley on Craigslist. I’m mostly playing older jazz and big band, so I bought it. It sounds fantastic. It’s not the symphonic version, but sounds the same to me. When I tried it with the big band it seemed to be a touch too quiet when the full ensemble kicked in, but maybe I’m just used to a higher pitched, cutting snare. I’ll have to give it another try. For small group playing I’m pretty sure it’s going to be my go-to. Hasn’t left the kit since I bought it. Great recommendation! Thank you.

[@matspersson5188]

Great video 👌🏼

[@brent3760]

Great drums!!!

[@rickenbacker40011]

fantastic drum sound woww

[@kstogie]

The 5.5" was my first snare drum when I started playing as a kid in the mid-90s (my father got it off a co-worker that was a jazz drummer). Still have the drum and has always sounded great. Never had issues with the muffler rattling. Pretty yellowed and needs some TLC, but I'll never get rid of it. Any way to tell the year?

[@rickdior]

Sometimes the date is stamped on the inside of the shell if you look carefully. It may have faded.

[@anthonybiegun8839]

Rick, I own three of these drums with Classic throwoff , I find when going from snare on to off back and forth I have to get them back in tension adjust the wires . I have been using a nut against the tension wheel to help it from moving ,is there some thing you can inform me about to correct the problem?

[@giovannifilippo2834]

love spectrum!

[@Uzziel_lay_drums]

Sir on your opinion which would be more versatile? The 902, school festival? or radio king 3point strainer 5 or 7x14?

[@rickdior]

Neither are very versatile drums as they have a particular sound with most types of heads (a quality which I love but does not work in all situations). If you want versatile, go with a slingerland sound king or ludwig supraphonic.

[@Uzziel_lay_drums]

A resonant head as 3ml its good ?

[@rickdior]

Remo Diplomat snare head. Remo Ambassador coated top head.

[@michaelcavazuti3270]

Rick do you have any Fibes or Noble &Cooleys?

[@rickdior]

Used to, sold them many years ago.

[@michaelcavazuti3270]

@@rickdior U didn't like them?

[@jimflys2]

I picked up a 59 Ray McKinley about a year ago. It was switched to the Ludwig P83 strainer at some point. You don't really want to know what I paid. No.

[@rustycalvera977]

what does playing over the snares mean?

[@rickdior]

Playing on the head over the area where the snares cross under the drum. This normally results in a better snare response when playing softly.

[@rustycalvera977]

@@rickdior ...thanks....and by the way....love your playing....and vids....keep em coming

[@Uzziel_lay_drums]

Batter head ... Remo Ambassador coated or classic ? Controlled sound ?

[@josephg.bradetich3064]

Thanks 😊

[@brody2097]

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