Karl, it is not too often that I disagree with you, but by your logic, a 1966 Fender Stratocaster should not cost more than an new one. Ok, maybe I'm exaggerating a bit, but If one can find a 1970's 402 in great shape, I would think it is safe to assume that if taken good care of, it should stay about the same. And yes, you can buy them new, but collecting/ nostalgia is found in the drum world too. Call me a sucker, but I would pay (and have) a little more for a vintage one than a new one as well. Probably in the minority, but I'm a big fan of the 1970's vibe, and I really don't think the new ones are as attractive with mismatched lugs/ shell beads. That reaks of cheap import.
I think we agree a bit, and I have said in the past (but not in that post or this thread) that the OLD Supras are nicer than the new stuff because yes, the bead matches and all that.
AND I agree on the nostalgia factor on a GOOD ONE, like the old stuff that matches up perfect and is in nice shape.
In that case, even 100 + bucks
more than new wouldn't be out of line to me, if I really wanted one.
But, paying more on a relatively new drum? 1979 is not that long ago, and I'd think anyone would be hard pressed to tell the difference
in sound between a 1979 drum and a 1993 drum like the one I have.
I'd say the only difference is the badge, and you could get a new one with a B/O badge direct from the factory with a warantee.
I always said before "If it makes someone happy, and they get 'that feeling' when they play the drum, it's worth it".
I probably wouldn't do it on a Supra...but, if I found a Bronze BB like my '89.....
Maybe it seems "cheap" to you because the lugs and stuff aren't USA made anymore (besides the not matching up)?
Yeah, it'd be nice if they were, but they aren't, and haven't been for a long time, so what can ya do?
There's things that bug me about fittings, and things that make you go "eww" like the bead and lug deal with you, so I get where you are coming from.
To me, as a non-connoisseur of the 400 series (I only have the 1 1993), the sound is "the same" (read: it sounds like a Supra 402) and that's what a lot of people say too,
but if I heard an older one, like a 60's 402, and it
didsound better to my ears, I'd change my opinion.
Maybe the parts and the metal used in making the fitting and screws and all that might make a difference, but the newer Supras I have heard do sound great.
If the older ones sound better than great, then I'm all for it, and the extra cost is acceptable.
And come on dude, a '66 WOOD Strat is going to sound better than a new Strat..we ALL know that!
Wood isn't the same as metal, but I'll concede that the "cheap-o" mixed LudALoy used
now may be a little more "cheap-o"
And I use the term "Cheap-o" affectionately, but if it sounds great, who gives a crap if it's scrapings off the shoe of the Toxic Avenger....
I will keep an eye out for any Supras that have a B/O badge and look like the bead and lugs match up (yeah, that
would be a great thing to fix) and test them out myself.
I do know that the '66 400 my boss has sounds
really great, so you might just be right, and
I'm the dope who's missing out...I'd freely admit it if that's the case.