How many of you have an orphan put together kit? Sometimes it can be a cheaper way to go than a factory matched version. I'm talking about drums still matching and from same general era though (same hardware etc). I imagine that collectors wouldn't smile too much upon one of these orphan kits, but if you're playing it out, why not?
Orphan kits Last viewed: 10 hours ago
I've had many kits that were pieced together to be era correct. I regret getting rid of some of them actually. You're right it can be cheaper but it can also be much more expensive if you have to piece together and buy everything seperately. Also I believe there is a thread on here somewhere that members posted their orphan kits.
Cheers!
ive got several orphan kits. I never seem to have enough dough to get a complete kit (because i'm buying too much other drum stuff). plus, you find a neat single and that starts it all.
that's what happened with my first galaxy kit. found the ride tom. then it happened with my wmp clubdates. found the 14 floor tom first on that. ive got a beautiful Ludwig 30's 13" in green sparkle with center lug imperials. got it for the same reason, but have yet to find a bass drum or anything else for it.
bought a 64 sbp 22 clubdate bass shell only a year or so ago. finished it off and then added the toms and snare.
I like doing it this way. won't be worth as much as a complete kit, but this way, they are my kits. no one else owned them,together at least. feels good doing it too. I probably get my most enjoyment out of finding parts and completing single drums in which I just got the shell and badge originally. have plenty of those.
mike
I bought an orphan bop kit made from marching drums and one 8x12. All Slingerland silver sparkle with silver/black Niles badges. The 8x12, 12x14 with floor tom legs and a 12x18 with a 70's tom mount. All double headed, 3 ply drums. Great sound for $200. I don't play any Bop but a great kit for dragging to a friend's house to jam or to play with acoustic instruments. It came with the flat based Slingerland stands, two cymbal, hi-hat, and snare stand. I am currently working on an early 60's Slingerland kit that I have found drum by drum. 9x13, 14x14, 16x16, 14x22. All double headed, 3 ply mahogany (16x16 is maple inside) only the BD has a gold/black badge the others none. I have most of the brass hoops, (need the two for the 14x14) and I'm trying to decide on a wrap. In 1959 Slingerland had a turquoise sparkle that is the leading contender right now. I hope to finish up this kit this summer.
Orphan 18/14/12 Slingerland:
Orphan RK's 40's 22-16-13 with a late 50's 5.5x14 GK snare. I have 15" mounted tom (old marcher shell) and a sweet 20" floor tom to add. It's still somewhat a work in progress as I'm always adding to it. And a few shells need to be wrapped still. Since this pic the original clamshell snare parts have been added.
Not a guru just havin fun with some old dusty drums.

I have two orphaned drum kits.
Tons of fun to play and they sound amazing.
The green one is a mix of 1950's 3ply Gretsch shells and the other a mix of 1940's Gretsch shells.
I also have some snare drums and other 'orphaned' toms I often put into the mix with these two kits.
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