I didn't have much money and picked up my first professional set in '72 for $75.(Pawnshop, talked down from $95.00). 20/13/16 Luddy's wrapped in mactack over a mongrel mix of WMP and Grey? MP with the heads painted fluorescent orange, plus a 400 snare and Turkish Zildjian hats and 20" ride. Great sounding drums

All still in service--the rewrapped Ludwigs most frequently.

After that I only ever purchased one new kit -- a nice sounding 80's Pearl maple kit that oddly had the wrapped taped on. Long gone.

It was a nice kit, but my first serious kit kind of spoiled me on buying new.

Some guys try to blame 'nostalgia' for people's love and interest in vintage drums. It may be in some cases, but I suspect it's the same for other drummers as it is for me... it's the sound I grew up with!

The first set of drums I ever sat down behind belonged to my buddy who was teaching me. It was a 1960 Ludwig, black lacquer kit. 13", 16", 22" w/matching Jazzfest. The sound of -those drums- not only got stuck in my ears and my head, it became 'the sound' I used to compare all other drums to!

Modern drums just sound a bit harsh to my ears and... they all sound the same to me! Vintage drums have some serious 'tone' and individual personalities. Compare any 60's Ludwig, Gretsch, Camco, Slingerland and Rogers together and you'll have five different sounding kits! Each with its character and tonal quality. Aged wood also helps to produce that fat, warm, mellow, round sound. Compare any top of the line modern drums and chances are, if you close your eyes, you won't be able to tell them apart.

That is why I love vintage drums.

John