Correct.

Mike Curotto

Au contraire…I am well familiar with this BBC test and it more than substantiates my point. The quality of an instrument is determined by the sound it produces and the ease of playing. If someone today built a drum with qualities of a Gladstone then he too is a master craftsman. The difference is, does it stand the test of time? As you aptly note, Strativari are 300 years old and are worth several million dollars. This Gladstone set is just over 60 years old and has a paltry price tag of $165,000, yet it is also becoming known worldwide as the benchmark for a superior instrument. “The name "Stradivarius" has become a superlative often associated with excellence; to be called "the Stradivari" of any field is to be deemed the finest there is,” Wikipedia.

I don't know how much experience you have playing a Gladstone but I assure you there is a difference. I have performed with these drums and they are remarkable. But then, who has heard of Chet Falzerano, right? Ask percussionists who have played my drums, both privately and in performance (yes I have loaned them out). If that does not satisfy you, how about:

Morris Arnie Lang, NY Philharmonic

Buster Bailey, NY Philharmonic

Arthur Press, BSO

Mickey Bookspan, Chicago Symphony

Harold Farberman, BSO (youngest player ever to become a member of the orchestra)

Morris Goldenberg, World renown teacher/performer

Wayne Pascuzzi, Pittsburg Symphony

Renzo Renzi, Chicago Symphony

Joe Sinai, SF Symphony

Gene Krupa

Louie Bellson

Buddy Rich

Cozy Cole

etc…

As far as collectors are concerned, they do preserve the heritage. Better these drums sit silently on Mike's shelf so future players will have the joy of playing them than someone mishandling/misusing them today, as so often happens. Besides, I'm sure Mike’s descendants will appreciate his efforts as well.

Stradivarius...need I say more?

Yes Gary but with some resistance. My reaction to that is "Methinks thou dost protest too much."

Cfalz

Obviously there is not room in your world for contrary opinions. I'm not sure why this has the importance that it holds within you, but if it makes you feel better I'm going to withdraw my statements here. That way you can continue life as if you've dominated and controlled this discussion appropriately. I will stand in the wings and just observe for a bit, keeping myself to myself, wondering what the heck I did wrong. I honestly thought that I was clear earlier when I had mentioned more than once that I was in the minority and that this was just my take on it ... others may vary. Evidently that doesn't cut it with you. So, you may proceed with the inner glow of being the loudest and most forceful within this thread. Good for ya.

In the future, I will do my best to avoid subjects that are evidently so near and dear to your heart. Hopefully, there is some sort of identifiable boundary or demarcation I can recognize so as not to repeat this. I've lost some respect for you in this bit of diatribe. That's a shame. Education and knowledge are of great import. However, neither of these are wisdom.

I repeat “Methinks thou dost protest too much.” Wisdom is achieved through “knowledge and education.” Knowledge and education have historically been achieved with a good deal of debate. I am not asking you to adopt my position, only as you say “observe.” If you continue with your position, “bravo.” You are a man of conviction. If however, you decide to take your ball and go home…

Last word. I got the last word.

Is that what this is reduced to? Seriously?

Wisdom is the activation and application of knowledge and education. The gain of knowledge and the furtherance of education does not guarantee the increase or even the beginnings of wisdom.

It's not too much to ask that you allow others to have an opinion without you forcefully disagreeing and shoving yours down the throat.

I like my BLT on untoasted white bread............

At the risk of being accused of having the last word...have you TRIED toasted?