Any of this sort of "collector" stuff is like stocks: you don't loose a dime unless you sell for less than yoiur investment.

If you are in it for the money, you need to understand the market, and ride the waves.

I'm in it for the drums, and always looking to find that piece or drum to scratch an itch. I got a nice Sonor snare a couple years ago, made it beautiful, tuned it up, and decided it wasn't for me in about a half hour. I turned it around and broke even on it. Maybe I could have priced it higher, and sat on it for a few months (or longer) but that's not what it's all about for me.

Like most guys on here, I'd rather give a drum to a needy kid who wants to learn, but doesn't have the means to get one, than to deal with the poopie-heads on eBay.

Interesting topic. I'm curious how many younger 20/30-somethings are entering the vintage drum market today, as opposed to twenty, thirty, forty years ago. And how many older guys who were once very active are selling and retiring now? And how do they correlate and affect the market? As for the younger generations, what is their idea of "vintage"?

Kids who grew up in the 90's learned to play on Pearl Exports and CB700's, and watched their heroes play DW Collectors and Pearl Masters kits. The old jazz and classic rock greats who played the big name American kits were decades before their time. Sure there is still some appreciation, but it's not the same level of nostalgia as the older guys who grew up playing these drums and actually saw Ringo play his Oyster Black Pearl Downbeats on Ed Sullivan.

I have always said that my drums will take me and my wife to Europe someday. But now as it gets closer to actually selling them and collecting the money for the trip I wonder how will this go. I have 15 kits, three I would keep the others I sell. So selling 12 drum sets seems like a lot of work and would take a ton of time to do it. Im thinking I will have to sell very cheep in order to move that many drums in a short period of time, plus I dont want to ship which creates another problem. Thought about having a weekend sale right here at the shop but I cant see enough local guys coming or expect people to travel much of a distance for the sale.

So to sum it up, I have drums to sell (eventually) but am worried if I will get enough money for them.

I don't buy vintage gear without looking at it in person. Unfortunately, there's a bunch of people out there that have tried to cash in with vintage drums over the last 10 years or so. A lot of these people don't even play. Most of the overpriced kits I see online have been repaired, modified, or changed in some way. Also, you can't inspect the edges, or see if the shells might be out of round. I laugh when I see these crazy prices, and the seller's description shows those of us in the know, that they really don't know what their talking about. I have what I have, and I am thankful for that. From time to time I buy from people I know or from reputable seller's I've been dealing with for years. I always ask for the right to return any item. Like most expensive hobbies, newbies get involved with vintage drums, and get burnt once. Then they leave the hobby. I think the pricing has become out of reach for most people to get into, or continue to build their collection. Just my thoughts and opinion.

I’m 31 and got into vintage stuff in my late 20s. I never saw the marker when it was booming, so I don’t know if I have a relevant opinion as to if it’s good or bad. I’m noticing more younger guys get into vintage gear which is great.

JC! Other than traveling to Europe, I'm in your same position! Like you, I have too many extra snare drums and kits and selling will take work and time. Even though I'm in SoCal, I don't think I could get enough interested buyers to come over and purchase what I have to offer. Then again, you never know! I guess it's just a matter of trying. We'll see!

-Mark

I have soooo much vintage gear , a recreation of 60 ‘s and early 70’s bands from amps to guitars I have no more room besides all the good stuff is gone or in one of your collection lol

Instead traveling to Europe all your drums should travel to Europe.

Most of You here is afraid to ship the drums overseas, it doesn't hurt and enlarges your possibilities for sale. Yes, you have to put some efforts (good packing, filling customs declaration) but it pays off. I sold every vintage set or snare I bought in USA.

Find best shipping rates company and you won.

I thought there were no politics allowed, but since the cat is out of the bag.

This has been happening long before our new President took office. I don't know what source your getting your information from, but I suggest you dig a bit deeper into the state of our present economy or move to Texas, we are doing just fine. There's a drum shop here that's been in business for a good twenty years, the owner told me 2017 was his best year in sales, go figure.

This has nothing to do with who's in charge. I've bought and sold many kits over the years and most of the buyers I've come across are younger guys with little cash flow. I believe a lot of sellers think their kits are worth more than they actually are and are unwilling to budge on their price. This has happened to me several times, a guy has a decent vintage kit, but it has a few issues and even after the seller acknowledges the issues, they refuse to reduce their price, so no sale. But, that's only part of the reason, there are just too many drums out there and not enough drummers with tons of cash. I believe it's that simple.

Shipping a drum kit is worse than doing your annual tax return.