The Powertone will arouse you.

Eight lugs. A thin five ply maple shell. A throwoff that is so completely dependable it took nearly 50 years to build one as good and it costs way too much compared to what a Rogers throw off cost in 1964. Response to the edge of the drum at any playing level, totally consistent snare beds from drum to drum and extremely shallow, the bottom head will always tune.

It is one of the finest American snare drums to have ever been produced. If this snare drum does not inspire some passion in your playing, god help ya, man.

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Front Row: 1963 Cleveland Era COB, 1970 Fullerton COB

Back Row: 1963 Cleveland Sparkling Blue Pearl, 1964 Tower White Marine Pearl, 1966 Cleveland Wine Red Ripple Pearl, 1966 Cleveland Steel Gray Ripple Pearl.

All are 5x14.

I'm assuming you're talking about WOOD Powertones? Yeah, they're pretty great. The formula is exactly right on them, with wood, thickness, bearing edges, etc...

Very well said, Ploughman!

Dave

BTW, Ploughman...how do the Rogers Tower snares compare to the Powertones? I've been told they were exactly the same snare, except for the hideous (yet "functional") throwoff. Is that true?

The throw off is a rather minor difference. The most noticeable difference is the butt, which was significantly cheaper. The internals on the throwoff itself are the same. Shell, snare bed, everything else, is a Powertone.

The COB Powertone snare drum rules. It is highly affordable today. Chrome over brass, same bullet proof throw, an all around excellent brass shell snare drum that can make eyes bleed or be articulate at any level.

Thanks! I might just pick up a Tower snare then.

And, yes, the COB Powertones are incredible! "Dry" like a Ludwig Universal, but with more "body". I liken it to a Supraphonic on steroids...

As for the Jazzfest..... never played one of those.

I did once own a 4x14 1960 Downbeat. It was like a worm in the presence of God when faced up with a Powertone.

> As for the Jazzfest..... never played one of those.

I am so glad you added that disclaimer to your review. Although each drum has its own character and sound, I own a pre-serial Ludwig Jazzfest that has a sound that will make a grown man weep with pleasure. I also own a 60's WMP Roger's Cleveland Powertone that I wouldn't trade, or sell, for love or money. Like I said, each drum has it's won Mojo. But in my humble estimation, neither one is 'better' than the other sound-wise. Two of the highest quality snare drums ever produced by American drum companies. Preference of one drum over the other is strictly a matter of personal taste.

Jazzfest/Powertone, is an 'apples to apples' comparison. Both Classic, great snare drums.

:2Cents:

John

John, I just also want to poke a finger at the Acrolite before someone else brings it up. More point than poke. I have owned several and have yet to get a bad one.

I know the Jazzfest is a highly sought after drum, there must be a good reason for it besides Ringo.

But I do believe the Rogers Swivo-Matic throw off was the absolute best made by anyone at the time, and for a long time after.