Trick GS007 adapter for Slingerland snare drums

Retroplate adapter system makes it easy to upgrade a Slingerland Zoomatic throwoff to the Trick GS007...using existing holes.

By Darin Soll

Drummer Mike McCraw designed and patented a series of adapter plates that allow you to upgrade the stock throwoff on a variety of snare drums to the Trick GS007 without drilling any new holes.  The Trick GS007 is one of the best throws available today, utilizing a helical groove design and beautifully machined parts for extremely smooth and reliable action.

Trick GS007 upgrade to Slingerland Sound King snare
Trick GS007 upgrade to Slingerland Sound King snare
I ordered the "Trick GS007 to Slingerland kit" from Mike's "Retroplate" website (https://dominoretroplate.com/), which includes your choice of Trick GS007 (chrome or black, single- or multi-step) and the adapter plate for $94.95 with free shipping.  Prices vary a bit across the different adapter kits he offers.

I received my order last week and upgraded my 1975 Slingerland 6.5x14 chrome-over-brass snare, replacing the original Zoomatic throw.  You can see the results here...

As you can see, the chrome throw looks great with the drum, and the adapter plate makes it a very simple and clean install.  And what difference it makes when playing with a throw that works smoothly, holds its setting, drops the snares completely off the snare head, and well, isn't a Zoomatic!

$95 may seem like a lot of money to invest into a $300 drum, but my "go to" snares need to have good throws.  This upgrade fixes the one weak spot of an otherwise great snare drum--and, I can return it to original condition at any time by pulling a head, removing three screws, and reinstalling the Zoomatic.

Trick GS007 retrofit installs cleanly
Trick GS007 retrofit installs cleanly and looks great!

If you are struggling with the current throw on your snare, take a look at Mike's site and see if he can help you out...and yes, he offers a kit for the Ludwig P85!

--Darin

6 comments:

  1. Hey man, I'm about to do this with the same snare, and I had a question...I want to put some snares that are close to stock snares...any idea what I should look for? And, do you know if I need some special kinds of snares? I know some Slingerland's required certain snares which Puresound makes. Thanks!

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  2. Hey Zack, I think you are talking about Puresound's Vintage Series Slingerland Zoomatic snares, which are generally unavailable and may have been discontinued: http://www.drumfactorydirect.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=6_104_374_375_387&products_id=3666.

    Puresound's Vintage Series Radio King snares are still available, but you would need to rig up a strap to attach to the end that screws to the Radio King's clam shell throw. These snares are fairly expensive at $40, and there is no telling what a rigged up strap will do to your sound.

    As you can see from the photos at http://www.vintagedrumforum.com/showthread.php?t=42857&highlight=slingerland+extended+snare, the Zoomatic setup is a bit strange on a Sound King, and I've read that it caused snares to vibrate even when they weren't engaged. I believe Slingerland moved to a standard snare wire setup by 1968, anyway.

    So, if your drum is a post-1968 with a Zoomatic throw, I would recommend standard Puresound 14-inch snares. Slingerland used 20-wire snares on the Sound King. I use standard 14-inch Puresound snares on my Sound King with the Trick GS007 upgrade.

    However, if your drum has the TDR throw and butt plate, then extended snare wires would still be appropriate. I've read that others have had good results with these Pearl 15-inch wires: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/drums-percussion/pearl-20-strand-bridge-type-snare-drum-wires. I also have a TDR Sound King, but I have not tried it with extended snares.

    Good luck! --Darin

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  3. Hi Zack,

    Did you go with the Single or Multi-Step throw and why?

    Thank you.

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  4. I don't know if Zack is still watching this thread, but I went with the multi-step simply because it was the same price. I figured why not get the flexibility? But, as you might suspect, I never use the multi-step--I'm either all the way on or all the way off.

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  5. I know this is an older post, but I've used the Domino retro plates on at least 4 snares, mainly for the purpose of recording. Fantastic way to adapt a more reliable strainer and keep the value of your drum.

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    Replies
    1. I completely agree, El Torito! Retroplates are well made and make it easy to reinstall the original strainer if you ever decide to sell the drum. For a player's drum, I'd rather have the Retroplate with the Trick throw.

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