Vintage kits, worth the money as a main kit?

Michael G · #1 02-22-2007, 03:02 AM

My old drum teacher who moved away back to where he grew up, knows this guy who is a vintage drum collector. He literally has rooms full of stacked vintage drums of every kind, Rogers, Slingerland, Gretsch, Ludwig, you name it. All in superb condition.

Now I was looking to upgrade my kit, and since he is willing to cut me a deal, I was going to get a nice vintage kit for my main kit.

Besides the fact that they sound absolutely amazing, would it be worth it? Take into consideration the age, if they get damaged, replacing parts etc. Would it just be better to get a nice newer kit?

harryconway · #2 02-22-2007, 03:49 AM

A cat I know just took a vintage Ludwig 3ply 24, 14, 18 on tour with Duane Peters and the Hunns (Corey Parks on bass). Perhaps not his nicest looking vintage kit, but still. Unless you have a stageshow involving hammers, grinders and chainsaws, I think you'd be safe playing a vintage kit.

Chunkaway · #3 02-22-2007, 05:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmoothJazz

My old drum teacher who moved away back to where he grew up, knows this guy who is a vintage drum collector. He literally has rooms full of stacked vintage drums of every kind, Rogers, Slingerland, Gretsch, Ludwig, you name it. All in superb condition.

Now I was looking to upgrade my kit, and since he is willing to cut me a deal, I was going to get a nice vintage kit for my main kit.

Besides the fact that they sound absolutely amazing, would it be worth it? Take into consideration the age, if they get damaged, replacing parts etc. Would it just be better to get a nice newer kit?

What kind of music would you be playing with this kit?

The Ploughman · #4 02-22-2007, 05:21 AM

Depends on what you are playing, how you play, where you play, who else might be on the kit, and the kit itself.

Me, I have 5 vintage Rogers kits. Two from the mid sixties. One in a fairly rare finish, both of those in excellent condition. Two from the seventies, one from 1980 thats been rebuilt with 1960s mounts & hardware. I play in a fairly safe environment for the most part. Churches. In that environment, im ok playing those drums.

That being said, theres no way I would haul a 1964 Rogers pink ripple kit into a biker bar on the 4th of july.

Drummer Karl · #5 02-22-2007, 05:40 PM

Mhhh...I guess you play mainly Jazz.
a vintage kit is for me always like a present of god. Vintage Kits (doesn`t matter if it`s Slingerland, Ludwig, Rogers bla bla) just have a very unique sound. In comparison to new generation kits they are so recognizeable. You would have to do much more to get this ultra-unique sound from new generation drums.

But I wouldn`t buy a vintage kit for main use. If something happens it is hard to find original parts to repair it. It is a persoanl preference, so I would prefer a new generation drum set. but as a second kit it would be brilliant...a nice cheesy Slingerland...mhhh =) or a ludwig...

Karl

rendezvous_drummer · #6 02-22-2007, 06:33 PM

I'd buy a Vintage Kit and use it as my main kit. They sound very unique and very beautiful. It would be difficult to find spare parts if something becomes faulty, so be aware of that. But if you do play Jazz, how about a new slingerland or new Ludwig?

harryconway · #7 02-23-2007, 08:37 AM

Honestly, it's very rare for a drum to fail. Hoops are hoops. I've never has a shell crack. Never had a lug or a tension rod fail. Never had a floor tom leg fail. Never had a spur fail on a bass drum. I've gone thru plenty of snare stands and cymbal stands over the years, 3 or 4 thrones, several hi-hats, but I'm not a fan of vintage hardware, just vintage drums. And eBay makes getting parts, even vintage hardware, easy to get. Sometimes you just have to play the waiting game a bit.

Michael G · #8 03-02-2007, 10:12 PM

I decided to definitely buy one for my main kit, specifically a 60s Ludwig. Holy crap do they sound good, just listen to them sing in Joe Morello's videos. And then when I saw this video on youtube which had someone playing these 60's Ludwigs (Which btw if anyone knows, should tell exactly what it is.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E13MtUc4Xqc

God, they sound so good....

harryconway · #9 03-03-2007, 09:32 AM

Congrats. Another believer in the power of the Ludwig 3ply shell. Pics, we need to see eye candy.

d.c.drummer · #10 03-03-2007, 01:35 PM

I dont see the point in having stacks of unplayed drums.... but if you would play it id say take the plunge. They sound great and they dont come around often.

Michael G · #11 03-03-2007, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harryconway

Congrats. Another believer in the power of the Ludwig 3ply shell. Pics, we need to see eye candy.

Yeah that is first thing on my list when I head on down to Philly to look at his beautiful drums. And I do mean beautiful, rooms of nothing but stacked vintage drums. This time I will take pictures so everyone else can envy this guy as well.