Hi everyone, first post here.
I've only been drumming for a short while but have fallen in love with everything to do with it, including, vintage drums.
My question is, not being a familiar with the full history of drums from a collectors perspective, how do I know if a drum set, snare or cymbal is rare or worth it's price? My wife and I like to go to estate sales and in the past I have seen 'old' looking drum kits but had no idea whether they were worth anything (thinking back, if I had the interest in drumming that I do now I'm sure I would have bought at least one of those old kits, darn!). This weekend I'm going to visit my father in a small town in Arizona. There are many older folks there and estate sales are common. I'd like to be able to have a better idea of what to look for before going.
I'd love to have a rare, classic drum set to enjoy or even a rare snare or cymbal in my living room.
Is there a good book or guide I could buy? What are some drum brand names that catch your eye? What is the 'Holy Graile' of drums to look for? (I'd hate to pass on something because I didn't know what its significance was).
As you can see I have allot to learn but I'm glad to find this place, thanks.