Rogers...

Inovative and groundbreaking.. Just look at the bearingedge design and the amount of plys... Rogers did what modern drummakers try to copy today..

Rogers. The most consistently well made drums, innovative hardware. Ain't memory locks great! Best bearing edges of that era, etc. And their 20" basses are just unreal sounding. And yes, I've owned Gretsch {RB to modern}, Leedy, Slingerlands {my vote for #2}, Ludwigs {hit or miss quality}, also.........

Rogers. And this is based on what I've read! Most of my drums are Ludwig, but definitely as far as innovation, Rogers was really strong.

All values/rarity set aside, I would vote Slingerland based on quality and sound to MY ears. Though I have not jumped into the world of Rogers yet, which seems to be the company that most have chosen here, I guess I need to get on that Yes Sir.

There have been certain drums that I have played that make it hard to say which I think is the best. Best bass drum I ever played was a 14x24 Ludwig 6 ply from the ugly hardware days. Played a great Rogers Fullerton. all the drums sounded fantastic. I have always been a Slingy guy, can't say for sure why, I think it was because of my parents friends kid who played, he had a wmp Slingerland kit and that has been the kit I always wanted!

I'd go with a 6,5" Supra, a 13" Dayton Rogers rack, a 60's 16" Premier Floor, a Gretsch 24" Bass drum and a Hayman 22"" bass drum...ala Bill Ward

Cymbals? ...602's and 50's Zilds...but thats just one for one gig...Then Id swich the Rogers tom for a Slingy, then The floor tom for a Camco, Then the snare for a Slingy Kruppa, then the cymbals for some old Ufips...and so on...

Gotta say Camco.

Camco and Rogers (BTW, I don't even own any ROGERS drums!).

Is there even a question when it comes to your parameters (materials, craftmanship, QC, design, innovation, tone, appearance and value)? I can't even think of a close second. The Cleveland era Rogers were unsurpassed. Swivo innovations are still used in one form or the other today. Superb craftmanship and QC. The sound is unsurpassed and is heard on many of your favorite 60's recordings. Value? Well, 45 year old Rogers still hold up well today and sound great! Even the hardware is still fully functional.

I have owned kits in most of the major brands from the era.... There isn't even a close second when it comes to your criteria. They are all gone and my Rogers stash continues to grow.

Rogers

And the best of Rogers is ....

Rogers, Cleveland Ohio tagged Beavertail drums. 1963-66

Rogers, Dayton Ohio tagged, flat gray interior, 1966-67.

That covers the Three ply and the five ply drums.