Exactly!!!!Drums...made to be hit!

I hate when I discover that I have a snare or cymbal that is collecting dust and I don't want to use it or play it. That's the point at which I decide to sell or trade it. Maybe someone else will play it.

Drums are happiest when they are making music, or at least, being played.

Of course I play my gear out at gigs. I started collecting for the tone and that's why I play mostly vintage Camco and George Way drums. Now if I'm playing some crappy hole in the wall where the drunks are running free near the band, yes I will take certain precautions. Like bringing my 70's Ludwig Supra instead of the 1929 Ludwig Black Beauty and bringing my 70's fiberglass Fibes kit over the Camcos of GWs. It's just a matter of using your head as to what to bring to a gig. If it's a club I've never played before I might just bring the new Gretsch Renowns and hope for the best!!!

Drums were meant to be played, not looked at. Although looking at them is cool too. Play them!!!The Band

After reading this thread for a few days, I have come to the realization that vintage drum buffs fall into two camps.

!. Collectors: Like pristine unmodified drums in complete sets with correct hdw and certain finishes.

2. Players; Like the sound of older or "vintage" drums but will buy rewrapped or modified drums in any finish with non correct hdw because the sound is what they want.

Both are valid reasons for buying these drums, but as a player I will not spend more $$ for a finish or an "original" anything.

What do you guys think?

I believe there's also a camp (smaller perhaps) of "players" who actually enjoy playing out with their pristine, unmodified vintage drums with correct hardware, many of whom are members of this fine forum!Walking

I'm sure there are, but I'm talking about "roadwarriors" who are out there night after night, week after week, year after year, who earn all or most of their living playing drums. I myself have gigged regularly with an original 1970 Ludwig kit with everything "factory" and a 1928 Ludwig Black Beauty. But those were the only drums I had at the time. At the end of this period those drums were no longer pristine, but I would do it again because they sounded so great.

i think there are even more "camps" then that.

i myself have always been a player..but i have extreme OCD when it comes to anything..esp vintage drums.

i play them (my own home/recording) but i also like finding all the hardware that was period correct for that drumset. i personally just think it looks better that way. plus i think playing with old hardware (high-hat/kick pedal) could make you a better drummer. i can play a lot of Zeppelin using my DW 9000 single kick..but trying to do it with a 60's Speed-King is a different story.

i just recently got a kit that is the end all be all for me..

i paid a lot (to me..not rich like a lot of others on this forum)

and to me (as of now) its an absolutely ludicrous idea to gig with them.

maybe for certain shows/venues i'll consider it..but as of now..no way.

they just mean way to much to me..would you bring your small petite significant other to a metal show? ;)

^^^

Do tell, what was your latest acquisition? I would bring my wife to a Metal Show, but she'd be the one getting ME into fights; she'd pick it, I'd have to do all the work - she's New Yorker.

Nope

I do not

Absolutly! I have 4 vintage American sets.The worst that has ever happened was when we supplied the back line for other bands and the heads got a dent or two from a heavy hitter. I wouldn't run expensive vintage logo heads out but,never a problem with the drums.

Of course,none of my sets are "museum" condition.I'd have to think twice about playin those out unless it was a genuine stage away from the crowd.