Louie Bellson, while giving a clinic at the 1999 Hollywood Vintage Drum Show, is reunited with his Billy Gladstone Custom Snare Drum. Billy Gladstone was the featured percussionist at Radio City Music Hall during the years 1932 to 1950. Around the time he was leaving the Music Hall, Gladstone built some 60 custom snare drums in the 1950's, of which only about 43 remain today. Bellson's drum was built in 1956. Bellson notes that his Gladstone drum was originally supplied to him with gut snares. The drum in this video is fitted with wire snares but since has been restored to gut. (Sorry for the video break up)
Reference You Tube "Louie Bellson - 1957 Skin Deep Solo" to see Bellson playing the drum in its original glory in 1957.    • Louie Bellson - 1957 Skin Deep Solo