I vote Rogers. Far from just the sound, which is at least as good as any of the others, it is also architecture and may be more about architecture than any other aspect. You can do a great gig with any one of the manufacturers listed. However, the beauty of the design is important too. They all had their good elements of design. I just like the Rogers beavertail era better than any of the others and I've had them all. Next best on architecture is SlingerLeedy, but you forgot to mention them. Mind Blowi

Must've taken a while to collect all those drums

SlingerLeedy drums are a specialty niche in the drum collector hobby that I'm very happy includes me. My first SlingerLeedy acquisiation about ten years ago was an epiphany for me. I had been a Slingerland fan and owner/player since the 1950s. I have owned several brands of drums. But, I seemed to always go back to owning and playing Slingies. How did I never encounter new or used Leedy drums in stores throughout the Chicago area all through the 50s, 60s, and 70s? It beats the heck outta me why I never saw any Leedy--especially SlingerLeedy drums in stores? My favorite Slingies with the most beautiful lugs I've ever seen became my new favorites.

Ludwig Jazzette for me with COB snare. You said ONE! So I won't mention anymore. :)

Dang! For a thread/survey that started out in 2010 this one has to be the oldest running thread at VDF! :p

TommyP - Can you think of an older thread that is still currently active? I can't. I think this one wins the prize for longevity by a country mile! There are posts here from guys that dropped out of the forum years ago.

John

They are called Slingerlands not slingies. what is that some toy kids play with?Keep on Pl

>>what is that some toy kids play with?

That would be a Slinky. One trip down the stairs per the ad. It was done. Tangled mess, it was not a wonderful toy :-)

Like my Slingerlands. Nickle plate beaver tail lugs and the stamped lug washers always seemed a cut above the rest. All clean up as near new 60+ yrs. later. Big fan of the Art Decco style. Not for everyone.

Snare department: Rogers gets the vote. The PowerTone working on is outstanding. I'm the one in the ads "For those who can't afford DynaSonic". Those must be killer.

Creighton

Ludwig 1967. Great year for wood. Never played a better sounding kit. Not to mention that vintage Ludwig drums are made to last, are the least problematic and trouble free of all brands, and sound great. This is not to say that other brands and vintages wouldn't please me, but if I could only have one kit it would be a 67 Ludwig.

I like that comment. I myself always have loved the look of the 50's Slingerland lugs...classic post-WW11 streamline design - like a '55 T-bird

I own several different gigging kits, and one of them is a Ludwig made up of orphans, but not exactly my dream Ludwig..The answer to that is very simple.. I'ma child of the 70's, so it would definitely have to be a Ludwig kit from the year i was born (1971) as well as my birthday, in my favorite color (Blue Sparkle), in my prefered sizes (22-16-12 or 13, 3-piece)..

So, to recap, my dream vintage drum kit would be--

A vintage Ludwig 3 piece drum kit, date stamped 01-08-71, in blue sparkle finish, blue/olive badge.. Then i would cease playing anything else..