I specifically bought my vintage kits to gig with, so yes. Gigs, teaching, practice, recording...they shine at everything except being stored.

The reason I began collecting vintage drums was to play them. Played every kit or snare, some on a regular basis. Since I was in retail back in the 80's and 90's I sold modern drums---and even with all the hoopla over this or that feature that drum companies spewed out, I didn't see much I liked.

For a while I played a couple of different MIJ mid level kits so as not to risk my vintage stuff, but ditched those and returned to the old stuff. The 80's MIJ stuff didn't seem to have the "personality" tonewise.

But, I've just recently acquired a new Sonor Safari kit. Terrific cheap little kit. I even get lots of compliments from players and audience alike. It might be many moons before I roll out one of the few vintage kits. Go figure.

I rotate four Slingerland kits. I like to use the Phantoms outdoors because they look cool. Otherwise, I try to use a different kit each time I play a given venue.

Until a few weeks ago, the Phantoms were also my band practice kit. I'm now practicing with the Vistalites. It's easier to be able to leave that kit set up in the garage with the B-team cymbals.

The Blakrome kit has a matching 6.5 deep TDR snare. I use a COB 5.5 TDR with the walnut and sparkle kits. I use a clear Vistalite snare with the Phantoms.

Slingerland hardware includes a Super Set-O-Matic tom mount and Dynamo HH. I mount cymbals on Yamaha boom stands.

On the road it's the new stuff BUT with my 70's Luddy BB snare.

At home currently a DW kit is in my practice room. The gigs I do vary but usually a Vintage kit gets taken. Jazz club gigs get the Gretsch RB(used to be the Downbeats) and always my 50's "Dog Tag" Radioking snare. More funky gigs get the 70's Ludwig usually with the 400 or the COB Dyna.

If I want big sounds then my DW Jazz series gets taken. 24 13 16 and matching 14x6.5 snare packs a low punch.

My Rogers and Vistalite kits are in storage.

I don't have the level of experience as most who have given great answers. I play out once or twice a month. Rock or Surf Instrumental bands. I almost always gig with my 1969 Ludwig kit. Sometimes as a Hollywood (as designed) and others with an added floor tom . Most of the time as a 13/16/22 using modern hardware....my favorite setup.

I also have an MIJ kit I rewrapped for small or potentially hazardous conditions.

I prefer playing vintage drums and they are always a great ice breaker or conversation starter with other drummers and musicians. I have never been close to being on Letterman, but I do get, "Are those your drums?".

Now cymbals.....Some old, some new, some big, some small, some bell like, some trashy, blah, blah, blah. Last minute decisions with spares.

My band plays on average about 9-10 times a month, and I always use my mid '70s Ludwig Vistalites. They are not in perfect condition, but they have no bad cracks or splits anywhere. I like the look of the blue, white and chrome combination.

I gig around NYC where bringing your own kit is basically illegal. You're required to bring cymbals, kick pedal and snare, of which I mostly own vintage stuff and it's all I would play anyhow. The only modern kit I have is a C&C.

Aaron

Great Lookin' kit Tinman, I too gig with my vistalites, but I have to ask, those aren't the original BD hoops are they? The reason I ask is because when I bought my kit a few years ago it had chrome hoops. The guy I got it from said his dad bought the kit new and the hoops were original, which I doubted. I've only seen black wood hoops with sparkle inlay on visty's but I don't know much about them.

I do paying gigs (3x a mth) indoor/outdoors.

(Tent is required otherwise...I NO play lolol.

3 vintage kits (All Rogers)

63 Cleveland's Nat finish.67 Dayton's BDP...70 Fullerton's Sil glitterglass....

The Clevelands stay home...!

The Daytons are used in small areas (pubs)

The Fullertons (full kit) are used outside or where theres lots of room..

I've found it easier to have 3kit from the same company.!

All the hardware is interchangeable / because I usually forgot something.

Be it the footpedal clamp or a tom arm or flr tom hex leg..

I also do open mics nearby on either a Tues or Thurs..(sometimes my kiy sometimes the bar's kit).

As for sharing...I don't mind / as long as there not drinking anywhere near the drums / and I Always replace my cyms with a set of b8s...

My only area of concern is someone spilling their drinks on the kit or breaking my vintage cyms..

I usually tune my skins low / so avoid any dippling or rips..

The biggest thing I've come to do always now is to transport my drums in cases to and from (adds time to an already tiring day)

But I've already learned once..

All hardware in a golf Transport case & cyms in their safe case.

Biggest thing to remember is to be yr own roady...! :)~

Thxs for the question...I enjoyed writing this..

Nice kits, all 3. Are they all 22' BDs is it just the picture making them look like each one is a little smaller?