Premier snare

I responded to an add in the local classifieds for a snare drum. The guy tells me it's a 1961 premier 8 lug 5.5 x 14 birdseye maple snare in mint condition, no dings no pitting no rust. He wants $175, and that was what he offered on the phone, so I could probably talk him down a bit. Does anyone here think that's worth looking into? Would an older 8 lug snare have a really mellow mushy sound to it or could it be tuned up to crack like the best of them?

Theres no way of knowing until you check it out in person. Unless the shell is out of round or the bearing edges are damaged it should be capable of tuning up to a good sound. If its in mint condition I'd say $125 to $150 is good, although $175 doesn't seem half bad either but thats mho.

That's about what I was thinking. I'll probably go check it out, but I'm looking to buy a snare to use as a workhorse for the next few years, not exacty the ideal role for a 41 year old snare in collectors' condition. I might be able to talk him down though, and I'm a sucker for pretty looking antique type objects

Not to mention that I just got an email back from dave conaway: die cast hoops are an additional $80, puresound wires are $45. No wonder those fancy top shelf snares cost so much! Looks like I'll end up with triple flanged hoops and whatever hardware doesn't cost extra. I expect it'll still be MUCH MUCH nicer than my old beat up acrolite (although it sure does give nice rimshots)

I have a new premier snare I think but it might be old. How can you tell what series or model it is?

Well to be certain your best bet would be to send an e-mail with a couple clear photos to www.notsomoderndrummer.com , if you don't have any photos just be sure to give a very detailed description.