Well, that gives me some idea. I researched vintage Premier on the Net, and the consensus is that they are quality drums. English made vintage drums seem to be a cut above the average. Now that I know the heads are readily available, I may seriously consider them, depending on their condition. I'll let you all know what happens when my friend gets around to showing them to me.

60s Premier 20/12/14 with snare in good-to-very-good condition?

I'd say they're worth more than $600.

My 1969 Burgundy pearl set; 18/12/14 w/international size 12 & 14x4 Royal ace snare:

(Drools over above kit)

@ Royal Ace:

you've got a beautiful kit with a nice contrast on the blue snare! I really love those Lokfast cymbal stands like the one you have on the left side of your bass drum in your pic (and I'm proud to have three of them now)! Absolutely outstanding design plus sufficient stableness in combination.

Ralf

Thanks Ralf. That 14x4 R.A. snare plays great and actually sounds surprisingly deep and mellow set up with Remo Emperors on both sides... a trick I learned with my Gretsch RB 14x4. Both snares are great for quieter acoustic trio gigs.

I also have a 14x5.5 BDP R.A. ... another favorite of mine. Premiers's craftsmanship in that period (and later!) was unexcelled... particularly the construction and superb finish of the shell interiors.

Also agree about the beautiful Lokfast stand design.

Here's Bill Maley's demo of the Burgundy set (with a different snare drum)

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R458BOsi25I&feature=player_embedded[/ame]

I use a soft beater on the BD.

Ron