I feel your pain, I have dumped thousands into this hobby. But if your happy then who cares about the money. I have actually lost money on the kits I have sold but the fun I had working on them makes up for that. If I am going to take on a new project I would look for a kit that has all or most of the parts. Missing hoops, spurs, legs or what ever cost you money, the parts are expensive.

Your not alone by a long shot. I did these a few years ago. Started with nice shells, no extra holes and beautiful WMP wrap. Added a 2nd 16" floor. All lugs and hardware had to be purchased. Bass hoops are Slingerland. And some non original tension rods. Everything else is Rogers. Not many like the B&B lugs. Fragile etc..... Still working on them and need more to make 100% original. But close enough to play and enjoy for now. I stopped counting at $1000. Has to be close to $1300+ as she sits. Learned a lot on how expensive a bare shell project can cost too. Did it stop me from doing more crazy stuff??? Nope :D Embarrassed to say what I have into into a early 50's 20"x16" RK floor tom alone. Well about the same as your Rogers tom was. That was another bare shell project, no wrap, parts etc..... At least as much as the other RK 22-16-13 drums cost together. Ha! But at least I have everything to finish it. I'm sure a sucker for those bare shell projects!! Please don't tell my wife!!!

Hi Jeff!

Yes, you hit the nail on the head when you say "if your happy then who cares about the money". Most of us don't get into this to make a profit, but to create something that we are happy with. Of course, the issue with purchasing required parts, especially on eBay, is that I search for the parts in VG+ condition...and so is everyone else! I never thought I'd pay such a huge amount for those 3 cast leg knobbies. But, they were in excellent physical and cosmetic condition and lots of other bidders wanted them as badly as I did! Also, like you, I have also lost money on kits and separate drums, but the fun, and therapy, of working on them made it all worth while! Thanks for your support!

-Mark

Glenn!

A gorgeous kit and thanks for sharing! Who needs to pay for therapy when we can console each other here on VDF. Hope to hear from others willing to share!

-Mark

Thank you Mark! BTW love seeing your collection it's first class! I'm also lucky to have a understanding wife. Deal we have she gets to buy something when I do. So it really costs me double. :D

Yes hope more share. I know there's many serious players/collectors here.

Jeff your right buddy. I'm in my happy place working on these.

Mark, you are so right! I'm to the point where I really don't want to think about it! On the other hand, this hobby has given me a great deal of pleasure. I do however try not to buy after I've tipped a few! This never seems to work though.

Brian

Funny Post

Hi Brian!

Good to see that others are coming out of the closest on this topic! Like you, I normally don't think about the $$$ spent on this hobby... until my girlfriend asked "how much did it cost?"!!

-Mark

"How much did it cost?" Those are five heart-wrenching words, my friend! I usually just lie. Makes things easier.

Brian

You can view the completed floor tom here... http://vintagedrumforum.com/showthread.php?p=405942#post405942

-Mark