Well...again, it just goes to show that the people who know that brand want specifically those drums -that EXACT brand -not a copy. "They" (those interested in the qualities specific to real, vintage drums) would be more willing to pay a high price -even for an altered example rather than support a market for new/old copies. If the new/old copies could be PRICED the old way, then they would have something to offer! So, I guess that's part of why I really don't understand the point of re-creating old-style drums. Who is the market, after all? The old guys won't want them, because they will know better and only want the real thing...The younger drummers won't associate with any old/obscure name and vintage-style components won't matter to them.

The more attempts there are to re-create the vintage gear will just make the real vintage gear more myterious and unattainable...which, in turn, will make it more desired...which, in turn, will make it more valuable to the future collecting market. (tah-dah!)

And, yes, there are ways to invest your money that are more productive than to invest your money in collectible vintage drums (maybe)...but, collecting vintage drums is a waaay more fun way to earn interest. Drums give me something tangible to covet!:p x-mas3

P.S., I wouldn't pay that high of a price for any drum or kit that's altered....but, now the market has been "thinning" out (in terms of matched kits) for awhile and people are getting hungrier. The result is a "second wave" of vintage drums that have been slightly (or greatly) altered, less-rare finishes...but still hold an appeal for the hardcore brand-name enthusiast...or parts scavengers...or for studios who know that certain vintage kits get a better sound under mics and don't really care what kind of tom mounts the drums have or if the serial numbers or badge styles are consistent or what kind of finish they have -in other words, to someone who wants them for more utilitarian purposes rather than for collecting purposes.

After the second wave is done, the third wave will begin and that will be re-wraps, "Frankenstein" drums, pieced-together kits -all the "leftovers" from the first two collecting waves.

..and then...the fourth wave will begin...By then, we'll all be dead.

The end.

;):p

Purple Moire Camcos at CPP for $2,‏500 is that "getting stupid" or a fair price for an awesome vintage kit??

"The sizes of the kit are 12, 13, 14, 16, 22, but there's no matching snare (at least that I can find right now). Chris White will know more about the drums, and you can reach him at [email][email protected][/email] or by calling them at 614-885-7372 (800-775-7372 toll-free) and asking for him. He should be in Friday and Saturday of this week."

I could never afford that... but if I had that money laying around in the center console of the Ol'Toyota.. I might just spend it on those drums. ;)

I agree that Camcos going for so much money is still a mystery to me also.I realize they have a great heritage,George Way contributed so much to the modern drumset.The thing that gets me is that Gretsch brings good money but they had so many Jazz greats playing them,Camco had such a small segment of the market,and the only big name rock players I can think of that played them was Doug Clifford of CCR ,Dennis Wilson of the beach boys.Would the fact that they sort of morphed into drum workshop make the drums more valuable?I can't understand why a Camco from the mid 70's would go for thirty to forty percent more than say a 1963 to 1966 Rogers.I hate what Yamaha has done to Rogers,they could offer rogers as thier only re ringed shell and tool up the hardware as easily as anyone considering their metal working and machining resources,but how many 4 pc kits would they sell at a street price of 2500.00 to 3000.00 dollars when you can buy a original no mod 60's Rogers in good to great condition for 800.00 to 1200.00? But I do like what Mr. Dunnett is doing with George Way,shows a love of the heritage and vibe of vintage U.S.A Drums

Something got lost in translation over the years of collecting. Camco drums from Oaklawn were the drums to get, specifically the early Oaklawns with 4ply shells, COB hoops & chubby washers! Then it became anything Oaklawn as the newer collectors assumed that their Oaklawn drums just had the wrong hoops as it was thought ALL Oaklawn drums were created equal (this included me at the time as I was just getting into Camco drums). Now it seems that as long as it has a Camco badge on it the price tag is through the roof.

Here is a quick history lesson -

1957-60 George Way Drums - 3 ply Jasper shells, COB hoops

1961 - George Way Drums - 4 ply Jasper shells, COB hoops

1961-approx. '65 Camco Oaklawn Drums - 4 ply Jasper shells, COB hoops

Approx mid 1965-72 Camco Oaklawn Drums - 6 ply Jasper shells, generic triple flange hoops

1972-73 Camco Chanute Drums - 6 ply Jasper shells, generic triple flange hoops

1973-1978 Camco Los Angeles - 6 ply Keller shells, generic triple flange hoops

In both the Oaklawn & Chanute eras the interiors were painted white for wrapped shells and clear coated on exterior lacquer finishes but there are a few out there that don't follow these rules. There are a few 3 ply Jasper shell drums out there from the Oaklawn era but are quite rare. My 5x14 Burgundy sparkle Tuxedo snare is a 3 ply shell.

the 20/12/14 and 18/12/14 Oaklawn kits are worth big bucks and are the ones to get. All others should be priced much lower IMO. But the fact that Camco drums in general are hard to come by has really driven prices up.

Funny thing though is that George Way drums don't even come close in value to Camco drums and they are far more rare than Camco drums. A perfect example of older not alWAYs worth more.

I have drums from all eras and I will take a George Way kit any day over a Camco......but it's still a close call;)

Good news about 18,12,14s. I have an Oaklawn kit in these sizes. Players kit though, as it has been rewrapped in green sparkle. Came originally with a wood finish. No extra holes or anything, all original hardware.(Tom mount, spurs ect.) So how many of those big bucks could these fetch?