History of Pearl Drum Wrap
© JamminSam. All rights reserved.
(Continued from History of Drum Wrap
Colors)
The pearl finishes were very popular in the 60's and 70's but saw
somewhat of a decrease in popularity from about the mid 70's to the 90's.
However, for the last 10-15 years, pearl finishes have come back into the
"spot light" among the most desired coverings for many
drummers.
Pearl Manufacturing
When manufacturing pearl finishes, the beginning starts with a cultured
block of a plastic type material of chips in a fluid which is a process
done by hand. This concoction is processed into a hardened state, then cut
into thin sheets. The sheets are then laminated with a backing (usually
white, blue, or black in color) for added strength and a clear plastic
protective top that gives the finish an even deeper appearance. Last, a
clear protective peel-off covering is applied to guard the material from
scratches until it is installed on a drum. (Note: This same manufacturing is how guitar pick guards and
plastic eyeglass frames are made.)
Vintage Smoke Pearl
(as we refer to it) has been sold in the past by the "Slingerland
Drum Company" (as well as others) and is considered vintage. It has
also been referred to as "Silver Pearl", "Black Pearl"
and "Black Diamond Pearl" (Slingerland has darker enhancements).
Slingerland, in the distant past, had the pattern lightened in color,
manufactured with a blue back and called it "Marine Pearl" which
was later referred to by many as "White Marine Pearl". All the
above was made with the same pattern but with different colored backings.
Vintage Sky Blue Pearl
was sold in the past by Slingerland and
Ludwig drum companies. Slingerland called it "Light Blue Pearl",
while Ludwig called it "Sky Blue Pearl" and also had it made
with a lighter appearance in color (with a light blue back) and called it
"White Marine Pearl". All the above was made with the same
pattern but with different shades of colored backings.
White Pearl and Black
Pearl have been sold for many years and are considered vintage.
White Pearl is currently sold on many American made drums and many times
incorrectly referred to as "white marine pearl." Black Pearl is
usually referred to "Black Diamond Pearl" by different
companies.
These two finishes have the same pattern of pearl (same chip size) but
differ in color (backing color). White Pearl (both small and large chip) is, by far, the most popular
pearl finish among pearl wraps.
Our new Vintage White Pearl
has the closer look of the old 60s and 70s white pearls with a larger pattern
than that of the current white pearl.
Dark Abalone Pearl is a new
color that we began selling in 2000. It is a fantastic display of color in
a three-dimensional, "bottom of the sea" appearance.
We now offer Onyx pearl finishes (Red Onyx, Blue Black Onyx, Black Onyx,
Blue White Onyx). The Onyx colors first came on the scene by the
Rogers drum company in the early 1960s who offer "Red Onyx",
Blue Onyx", and "Black Onyx". Slingerland drum
company in the later 1960s followed by those colors (calling them
"Agate Pearls") and even added one called "Gray
Agate". Even though the Slingerland drum company sold more
drums than Rogers, the Rogers drum company is more associated with this
wrap line. The reasons: 1) Rogers was the first to come out
with the line, and 2) the name attributed by Rogers ("Onyx") was
the most popular description used by the drum public for the
finishes.
Now for something different in pearl finishes, we offer newer colors of Red Pearl, Blue
Pearl, and Purple Pearl.
These finishes have a vintage look but with a unique splash of color that
gives them a festive look.
This article continues with more about the history
of Sparkle Drum Wrap.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. Click
our other selections below (blue headings) to read about our
"Guarantee/Warrantee" and other information. We welcome your
interest in all our products on this site and hope that you will call
us for a free catalog and samples of our drum material. Thank you
for spending the time to read this article.
|
