How to Date Premier Drums

Premier drums was founded in the United Kingdom in 1922. The company has been sold a few times but remains based in the United Kingdom. Premier drums are serial numbered and branded "British Made" or "Made in England." Because the manufacturer's instruments date back to the 1920s, finding a manufacturing date can be done in a few different ways.

Instructions

1. Attempt to match the serial number with a dedicated website. Premier states on its website that the company does not retain serial number records but recommends two dedicated websites (See Resources). Review these sites to assist in dating your Premier drums. Look through past printed manufacturer's catalogs. One source can be found by visiting the Drum Archive website (See References).

2. Take one of the Premier drum shells to a musical instruments retailer. Most musical instrument retailers employ both instructors and technicians who fix instruments. Look in a local phone book and find instrument retailers. Phone them and ask whether they have a percussion repair technician and/or instructor who can help date Premier drum shells.

3. Read through books on vintage drums. Visit a library and browse these books. Often, these types of publications are subject specific such as vintage drums and have pictures and descriptions of vintage instruments.

References

• Premier Percussion: Contact Us
• "Guide to Vintage Drums"; John Aldridge; 1994
• Premier Percussion: FAQs
• Drum Archive: Premier Catalogs

Resources

• The Vintage Premier Drum Site
• Vintage Drum Guide