In 1937 Billy Gladstone patented a system where you can tune the top and bottom head from the top of the drum, or even tune both heads at the same time. No need to turn the drum over to change the tuning. The key is attached to the shell.

Even back in the 50s a good percentage of the drums were made for pop/jazz players like Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa, Shelly Manne. We have sold drums to major players like Carl Palmer, Charlie Watts, and many others.

The original features now available on the
Gladstone Snare Drum™ by Lang Percussion Inc. include:

Shells: Ply and solid shells in both domestic and exotic woods are available in 4.5", 5", 5.5", 6", 6.5", & 7" depths. 45º bearing edge and snare bed is cut with our own specialty machines then hand finished.

Three Way Tensioning™ : Adjustments are made from the top of the drum with a special three way tuning key which permanently mounts on the shell. Tune top head alone, bottom head alone or both heads at the same time without taking the drum off the stand.

Perfect Snare Control: The snare strainer flips off with out any noise since there are no springs or rods to malfunction.

Fingertip Tone Control: The muffler knob has a numbered gauge to obtain the exact degree of muffling required.

Finish: All Gladstone Drums are lacquered on the inside with the same high quality lacquer used on the outside.
Customized Name Plate: Each person who purchases a Gladstone Snare Drum ™ will receive a custom engraved name plate with their name and date of purchase to mount permanently onto their drum free of charge. It is sent directly to the customer.