Great video. Thanks for sharing.

Those drums are so rare I say stop playing and cleaning them and find another set to play on maybe something from the 60s that is easy and not super expensive to find . Then you can play without the risk of ruining a very rare set of drums especially since as you said you are new to drums and drumming .

I agree 100%

Cheers

It's like learning to drive in a 60s Ferrari....

I wouldn't clean the drums at risk of damaging the old finish with not knowing what is acceptable to use on them but to say to not play them seems a bit much. It sounds like this gentleman is a respectable individual towards these drums and the family and isn't looking to pretend to be Keith Moon destroying drums on stage or playing with a singer that likes to put his foot on the bass drum. Leave the drums set up in a spot to not risk damage with moving them from place to place and go ahead and play the drums respectfully like they were meant to be. My thinking anyway.

He sounds to be a great guy. I just know that I had a long learning curve in my playing where I would've regretted playing a set like that. Maybe I'm just different than most, but I wouldn't want to risk damaging such a beautiful set. I'm all for playing vintage gear and not letting it sit around, but that kit is in another ballpark.

I get the thought process.

So base drum is done, I noticed the feet/legs looked so shiny I did not even have to clean them. amazing. The paint around the rim is a bit worn off in spots from the places that the tom mounting rail and cymbal and feet attach but that is expected.

You might notice some felt showing around the rim, There was a piece of felt that the previous owner had inside the rim that cover half the head. I guess for muffling.

Anyway it is all cleaned up. And you will all be happy to know that I went out on craigslist and bought a beginner set to beat on so that this kit will no longer feel my wrath. Thought the new set sounds so harsh and tingy in comparrison.

Play the real kit.

Just the fact that you've taken the time to detail it (hopefully properly; could have left that to the new owner) shows that you care about it. That 1st photo with the music laid out shows you're trying to learn the basics - more than most take the time to do.

How many were discouraged from continuing to play by a crappy drum/kit? You're lucky enough to have found a great kit to begin with. Unless you're playing along to Megadeath you're 500% fine. Heads are meant to be replaced. Absurd you've been listening to these old ladies telling you what you shouldn't be doing with this kit. Remove/replace ALL batter-side heads (the ones you're hitting), save them, and practice away.

Kit looks stunning, by the way.

As I stand here in my Sunday best, a red dress with matching bag and heels, I take offense at being referred to as an old lady!

Hobbs, the cautions are all about preserving something as rare as a unicorn for future generations. There are only 16 (now 17) of these kits that are known to exist on planet Earth. Well worth exercising a bit of caution when handling them. You wouldn't tell a rank beginner to wail away on a Stradivarius. Same goes for this kit.

Just being an old lady... but for a good reason I think. Can't help myself. I LOVE drums. And... the way silk feels when it rubs up against my bird! :D

John