There are many varying degrees of decreasing value, depending on the sizes of the holes, number of them, and if they are easily concealed. Of course, to a collector, *any* holes just might make a drum COMPLETELY undesirable. To a player, it's all a matter of opinion. I've seen it go both ways:

$1200 for a kit in decent shape. Seller: "Oh, and there's a couple of extra holes right here. Must have been some extra hardware mounted on there at some point, I guess."

Response A: "Ah, no big deal. The drums won't sound much different, and they're not going to fall apart because of those tiny holes"

Response B: "Oh my GAWD!!! Would you look at the size of those mortar holes? You could said a ship through 'em! I'm surprised the drum isn't in splinters! And besides, those drop the value down to about $200. I'll offer you $300 for them, though, just because I'm a nice guy..."

As for me, if a drum sounds good and looks decent enough, I don't care much either way. I'm a player, though. If the throw off is a replacement from when the original crappy (but collectible) one broke, and it works and sounds fine, then I'll still be interested in the drum. If I should be concerned about the price dropping due to unoriginal parts, then I'd be paying too much for the drum in the first place...

Yeah that is a drastic value reduction, just from a hole!! their are exceptions to this and all rules, but extra holes put the kit into player kit realm very quickly! extra holes are a big no to me,but once again, on a super rare size or color or year model anything goes!

I'm the type who only wants drums that have no extra holes. I am definitely Response 'B'.

It would have to be something like a Peacock pearl drum or a Top Hat & Cane drum before I would accept any "funny" holes.

I have a limited amount of space for my collecting hobby and I only want the best examples that I can find to fill that limited space.

How much does it decrease the value? For me, like I say, unless the drum is an extremely rare example, I won't put any money down for anything that has extra holes drilled into it.

If it's a Civil War drum and there are bullet holes (lead balls) blown through it, then that's another story! THAT would make that particular type of drum QUITE a bit MORE valuable!!

I'm with O-Lugs... I tend not to purchase any drums with extra holes in them. I have limited space as O-Lugs had mentioned and I definitely wouldn't want to crowd that space with any drums that I feel is not up to my personal standards.

I agree that extra holes in any shell (in moderation) doesn't destroy the sound of a drum, and would make an excellent addition to any player's drumkit. A player can actually find some awesome deals, at times, on some great sounding vintage drums just because there are some extra holes in them. For a collector, any holes in a shell would bring the value and authenticity down quite alot.

In conclusion, this is my opinion, and only my opinion. No drums were harmed during this broadcast.......

Cheers