I have been a lurker here for a while. I had been quite active on another forum. But, unfortunately, things became too contentious there. This seems like a nice place to hang out.

Just a little info abut me......

I was a gigging drummer for the end of the 50's, all of the 60's, part of the 70's, and not since the end of the 70's. I stopped gigging because I began a career as a manufacturer's representative for a major maker of instruments. Since I traveled a lot during the week, I wanted to be at home with my family on the weekends. I retired at the end of 2007.

I bought my first "vintage" drum set around the year 2000 because it reminded me of the great times I had as a working drummer. Once I retired, the hobby progressed to somewhat of an obsession. I have acquired probably 30 drum sets since that first one. I limit myself to eight or nine sets at any one time. if I see one that I want, I must want it more than something I already have. Then, I make room for the new addition. I have been very fortunate to make trades that are good for both parties. At present I have these full sets:

1963 Leedy Black Diamond Pearl Shelly Manne four piece

1963 Rogers Sparkling Pink Champagne four piece

1966 Slingerland Red Glass Glitter four piece

1970's Slingerland Red/White/Blue four piece

1965 Walberg & Auge Salmon Satin Flame three piece (no matching snare)

1963 Walberg & Auge Gold Glass Glitter three piece (no matching snare)

1972 Walberg & Auge Ice Blue Glass Glitter five piece

Early 60's Ludwig Clubdate orphans Three pieces plus bongos rehabbed and rewrapped in red Sparkle

Mixed vintage Leedy orphans rehabbed and rewrapped in White 3-D Moire

I have a few vintage snare drums to mate with the sets that don't have matching snares.

All of my cymbals are 1940's--1970's A Zildjians that I have acquired along the way.