As far as modern drums go, I like Yamaha alot. Never played one that didn't sound good. Play them pretty often as backline. I've got a Manu Katche Hipgig that's one of my favorite sets ever...... OTOH, I've got Rogers, Ludwig, Gretsch and Slingerland vintage gear that I use most of the time. Snares, I reach further, have Pearl, and N&C / Zildjian that get alot of stand time. Cymbals range from Stagg{yes}, old Tosco {italian}, K and A Zildjian, Sabian, old Paiste 602, and unknown Chinese. I'll play what ever sounds right to me, and doesn't cost me alot.............

Predominately I play Rogers. I own a few snares that arent Rogers.

I think what I'm really in love with is the sound and look of vintage drums. As long as it's a quality item, brand is secondary. I do have a personal preference in terms of preferring Ludwig drums over Slingerland or Gretsch, but then, Camco trumps them all for me.

I own and play select vintage; Camco, Radio King, Ludwig, Slingerland, Leedy, Rogers, etc. A pretty good eclectic mix of brands considering that; my ears may belong to Camco, but my heart will always belong to Ludwig. They were the first drums I sat down behind in 1963. For me, vintage Ludwig drums will always be the way drums are supposed to sound.

John

I would play anything, & most of the sets I've played for the past several decades have been mix & match orphans from every brand & every era. I've had many of the best sets ever made, but I just don't care, & sell them off. I always figured, I'm not a professional, so I don't need a "suit".

Slingerland was my first kit, so I'm glad to have found another that I just love. Everyone else I grew up with had Ludwigs, so I was familiar with them. I'm looking forward to getting acquainted with my "new" '70s Vistalites. There weren't really any other drums that I fantasized about.

That said, I'm totally loyal to Yamaha hardware.

If I ever had the opportunity for a cymbal endorsement, I'd have to think twice. I currently have a great set of cymbals comprised of Zildjian A's, A Customs and K's, Sabian AAX and HHX, and a Paiste 2002 that work beautifully together.

I'd gig with anything, but I prefer the style of vintage American made drums....especially Ludwig and Rogers.

I'm about the same as O-Lugs, I'll gig with whatever is in front of me at the time. I do like to 'kind of' match the kit with the venue. Bigger ones, I drag out the Camco kit, tiny ones I use the little Gretsch Catalina's. In between ones I take the blue Ludwig's... same with cymbals. I've got a pile, so as the kit gets smaller, so do the cymbals.

When it comes to brands i use and play.New sets for the pass 20 years have been O.C.D.P. sets that i had made at the shop.I use these when playing out live.For studio work i do and renting out drums they are all vintage from the 1970's to the 1930's.All brands Ludwig,Rogers,Slingerland also S/L radio kings,Gretsch,Camco,Leedy, and on and on....Mikey

I have played Ludwigs for so long I guess I am partial to them but the last few years I am like Fishwaltz. I will choose the set to fit the venue. For the small lounge and jazz gigs I have been useing my Gretsch Jazz Catalinas and even smaller my Sonor Safari's. For rock gigs my ddrum's and vintage Premiers with the 24" bass drum. Top 40/pop/variety my Camco/Gretsch/Ludwig Frankenkit.

For Jazz I use the same vintage A Zildjians and the other gigs my vintage Paiste 2002 set.