I completely understand what you mean. I’m in an instro surf group, and though I use modern INDe toms and bass, I choose them specifically for the great vintage sound they generate with Aquarian MVs. They blend well with the Slingerleedy snare and all Old A’s with which I use them.

Last Sunday I played on an all instro bill, and one group had a drummer who played an old Citrus Mod kit, it was deliciously thumpy and sounded much better to me than most of the equipment I hear at these events. Of course, the drummer was great too!

I feel what you're saying...but I'm not going to take my vintage stuff to gigs. I will, however, record with it. The reason being, I don't get paid any extra for bringing irreplaceable things into gigs. Maybe one guy might be there who would notice the difference and be impressed, but, overall, nobody cares. In fact, most of the audience will be on their phones not paying any attention to any of it! ;) So, I'm not taking my stuff out just for that one person. That being said, whenever I go to a gig and the drummer has some nice, vintage stuff onstage, I notice it! I guess I AM that one person! ;)

In the studio, I almost always bring my best vintage drums and cymbals because, in those microscopic conditions where all the nuances can be brought out, it's worth it.

I remember once, a long time ago, when my Big R Rogers set was still new, I took them to an outdoor, Summer gig and the stage was in full sun. My Big R's were black....After awhile, things started to get hot....really hot. Fortunately, those drums were indestructible and made it through okay....but there are often unforeseen problems at some gigs that could wreak havoc.

Most of my early gigs were in bars and honky tonks and there was always a drunk who "used to play the drums" wanting to try out my kit. Sure, buddy! Set your martini on my Gretsch round badge bop kit and play wipeout for your drunk friends!

And now after a life's career as a drummer, accruing stories like those (just to name a few), I can finally retire with my precious, sit in a fetal position in the corner...and no one can ever bother me again!! ;)

I understend you both points of view. Poppies, at least you play with some right drumheads. O-lugs, I don't mean gigging with the top piece of your colection, but for the price of a modern drumset it's possible to find a nice "players condition" one in nice shape just for gigs.

I think that not only do bands have to find a drummer dedicated to the surf style of playing, but also someone who strives to achieve that 60s surf drum sound. For someone to meet those two criterion, the ideal drummers are few and far between. So i guess surf bands just go with whatever decent drummer they can get and make due.

Michael

many years ago I saw the SURF PUNKS at the old Waldorf SF. It was a crazy show.The drummer was Daryl Dragons(Capt and Tenille) brother.

I guess my interest in Vintage drums is not the same as some others here on the VDF. I understand the desire to locate, procure and display the perfect specimen, but my interest in vintage drums is playing them. I am not, in any way, trying to disparage those among us who have primo vintage sets and do nothing with them but display and dust them. My desire is different. I want the vintage sound. The vintage feel. I like playing old music and thinking that the drummer on the original recording was playing drums very much like the ones I am now performing with.

I also like the fact that the drums I am using in front of an audience have history that most of them are not aware of. Most couldn't give a dang. I know my wife doesn't give a dang. But I do. My pleasure doesn't derive from others knowing that these drums are about as old as they are. It's okay with me if it's my little secret.

Then again, I don't own any perfect "Collector's Grade" sets. I go out and play with my best stuff, because it gives me joy. Especially when I think that the equipment I am using was the absolute best made at the time (brand loyalties aside).

But I am also cautious. I don't leave equipment either in the truck or in the venue unsupervised. I protect it jealously, and anyone who decides they are going to sit down behind them tacitly gave me permission to dust off a little jiu jitsu.

Josh

+1 with you Josh !

I love to play my vintage gear. My old 60's kits may not look perfect but they sound great and have tons of "character" and "Mojo". I just love em and wouldn't play anything else. ;-)

Doug