I think you have to catagorize between a collectable kit,that is valuable or in some cases"holy grail" valuable.Then there are some drums made to gig,and that includes vintage drums.
Right now,Steve Maxwell is selling a kit that was owned by Bun E Carlos and is now owned by Carl Palmer,on consignment.Celebrity owned,and plenty of provanance.
It is one of only three that exist and was built by Billy Gladstone.The price is 165,000 US dollars.......yes 165,000.That's not a typo.
Can you gig this kit ?Better still,considering the price,should you gig this kit?A Holy Grail drum set....no doubt in my mind.
But if I can afford 165 K for a single set,then I can afford......lots of drums.
DrunEatDrum ,brings up the Ringo Ed Sullivan kit.Most collectors I know,and members on other forums I know,who are knowledgeable drummers and collectors all seem to agree,that that kit would go for over a million dollars.........easily.
Now you migh say...thats crazy,I like my drums,but the're just tools...bla bla bla.,But there's plenty of those that will disargee....myself among them,when it comes to vintage drums.
There are some drums that have unusual musical and historical significance,and personal needs are transient.
So,If I were to have one set of drums,there would have to be a set in each different catagory.
Is it a smart idea to gig a Gladstone or real actual 64 Ringo Ludwig kit,owned by Ringo,on a regular basis ? I think the answer is obvious.
Steve B