Like the reproduction Dynasonic snare drums, I'm pretty sure that the other drums are assembled by the folks at Pork Pie. Look at the label in the drum and you'll see a "BD". I'm pretty sure that is Bill Detamore, owner of Pork Pie. Bill is one of the reasons that the "new" Rogers exists. While I have no interest in owing one of these kits, I, too, will also say that I feel they are very overpriced. I'm not quite sure who the target market might be. The design of many of the "improved" hardware parts, to me, is questionable.

Today's drummers, those that are in the market for a new high-end set, have no real clue about the Rogers marque. They will most likely be interested in trusted manufactures such as Ludwig, Mapex, Pearl, Tama and Yamaha.

I do wish the owners of the new Rogers well, but I'm not quite sure that they will be around in 5 years. Still, I've been wrong before on lots of things!

I'm very happy with my "real" 1966 Covington-built Headliner set, which has stood the test of time in sound and hardware function!

-Mark

I'm quite content with my 1966 Covington-built Top Hat Rogers set. I would love to find a matching vintage 196? Silver Sparkle Rogers snare drum that is NOT A DYNASONIC to go with the drum set. I have never liked the over-engineered Dynasonic. I like my snare drums to be well-built and simple. So, a Luxor or Tower would be fine with me. Meanwhile, I have a nice chrome 1963 Powertone snare that goes well with the other drums.

I have one Rogers set left. In fact, just one drum set left. I chose it for being a Rogers and for price - $1200 delivered. Great price point for a small 20, 12, 14 kit. It's probably a '66 or maybe early '67. It would have been built in Covington. Clearly was at least a Dayton flat grey, but now is a Somewhere-made-black-inside, kit - including the labels being painted black. It could be a Cleveland. Why folks wasted time painting the inside of drums sets I'll never understand. Maybe they had been listening to the Stones. Other than that, it is a regular black diamond pearl Rogers kit in pretty decent shape and much as it was from the factory.

Three times that amount is out of my price point and interest range. I have it hooked up with a 7-line metal Dynasonic (I love Dynasonics) of the same era, and I also have one wooden-shelled Dynasonic in a different color.

We in the process of purchasing a derelict farm in mid-coast ME. It has a big barn and I hope to set those drums up inside and play them without concern for the neighbors, which has been tough to do in our thickly settled neighborhood here and in FL. I'll be back about 500 feet from the road and 1/2 mile in all directions from the nearest neighbor. Good thing too. You'all know those Rogers drums can project!

Would love to see a picture of your Top Hat kit. Can you post some pictures?

-Mark

Here's a picture. The lighting leaves something to be desired. I need to take some better pictures soon....probably in the back yard.

Rogers' hardware was ALWAYS the coolest! The Swivomatic stuff has always been my favorite looking stuff.

Wow...that is just a spectacular set! I guess it's a bit tough to track down a matching Luxor or Powertone snare drum?

-Mark

O-Lugs!

I completely agree about Swivo hardware! My first pro kit, purchased new, was a Celebrity set in 1972. Even after 10 years, I never had any cracking of the cast Swivo collet noses on both the tom holder and bass drum spurs. There was never a need to "herc" them to keep them tight!

-Mark

Dan!

So you'll be moving from FL to ME? That barn sounds fantastic for your drums! What I wouldn't give to be that far from neighbors, so I could play to my hearts content and not bother anyone!!

-Mark

Thanks, Mark. I've thought about using an old eagle badge six-lugger shell that I have to wrap in silver sparkle and install Jim Petty lugs and a simple vintage strainer.