Hi All,
I'm new to the forum and thinking of purchasing my first vintage set of drums. It's a Rogers Powertone Kit... appears to be a Londoner 5 in excellent condition. I am curious thoughts on the set... ? value if in excellent condition?
I don't know Rogers history and so any info is welcome.
Thanks!
Drums with those Fullerton tags should date 1969- mid 1972. Some had 5 ply, some had 3 ply maple shells. The Swivo mounting hardware in that era was changed to cast metal and prone to cracking thus the toms might not be supported very well if that is the case. The Powertone snare is chrome over brass. That wrap might be on the lesser desirable side but that's is subjective. Check completed eBay listings for a ballpark figure. My guess would be $800-$1200 since there's some hardware.
Looks very clean and that tend to help in terms of value. JSdrums is in the correct $$ range in my view and I'd tend to the lower side, but having the snare is an advantage. Requires someone attracted to that finish, but the drums themselves are solid overall.
If that were wrapped in WMP or a glass glitter, I think $1200 would be no problem at all (especially with that nice swan-leg cymbal stand which can fetch $100-$150 alone). The problem (besides those non-original maple bass hoops) is the finish. It's a shame that KOA has become one of the least desirable finishes for vintage Rogers drums. Natural wood finishes and wraps were trending in the 70's, and Rogers was only capitalizing on that trend. Even today, natural wood grains are still popular on custom made kits, and that might be the problem. Don't we all want to see old, discontinued pearls and sparkles on our vintage drums to separate them from the modern stuff? Isn't that what gives old drums their vintage aura?
Mike
PS - There is a 3-piece on eBay right now for about $800 if it helps to give you a comparison for pricing.
Check ebay for SOLD auctions for pricing. But If all the hardware in the picture is included, the estimates given are pretty close.
As mentioned, check the condition of the tightening collets. Is they are machined, should have PAT PEND stamped on them. The changed style to cast collets will not had anything stamped on them, and are prone to cracking. Either style will fit, so cast collets are not a deal breaker, but negotiation tool maybe.
If I were buying a Rogers kit, I'd look for one made in Ohio.
Drums with those Fullerton tags should date 1969- mid 1972. Some had 5 ply, some had 3 ply maple shells. The Swivo mounting hardware in that era was changed to cast metal and prone to cracking thus the toms might not be supported very well if that is the case. The Powertone snare is chrome over brass. That wrap might be on the lesser desirable side but that's is subjective. Check completed eBay listings for a ballpark figure. My guess would be $800-$1200 since there's some hardware.
I agree ...the wrap isn't on anybody's top of the list, but that's an opinion.
These are 5ply shells,..the collets should be changed for the older machined versions....
With cymbals, $1000 is good,
Without cyms, $800 for the shells,snare & basic hardware...
I have this kit in silver sparkle ...20/16/13/12 & 14 Powertone snare....
It's a great kit...
Bop iT / Til U Drop iT.
