the toms and bass are wood, metal rogers snare, ludwig pedals, and zildjian cymbals, all from that era.

Couldn't disagree more. A blanket statement like that makes no sense. Some vintage drums sound great to some drummers...some "new" drums sound awful to some. I've had "major" drummers with "major" endorsements ask to use my '70s acrolite with '20s rims and my late '20s tube lug Ludwig and Ludwig brass snares. These were players that could use any modern drum they want.

What "sounds good" is so subjective...

Rich,

Are you a drum tech or recording engineer? Just curious. If that's the case I'd like to hear your thoughts on tonal characteristics of some old verse new drums. I honestly have a hard time saying that this group of drums is better than that group of drums. I think there are some qualities that different manufacturers end up delivering that correspond to people's preferences. I have found that the old gretsch drums (three and six ply RB) are dirtier sounding (not bad at all) with good mids to highs. The Rogers (early Big R 6 or 6.5" wood Dyno, Cleveland Holiday and Powertone) are crisper tighter as are the Oaklawn Camcos. Craviotto (8" solid cherry wood) darker and more diverse across the playing surface. Noble and Cooley (7" single ply maple) loud and heavy on the higher partials. Slingerland single ply Radio King dirty (but good) but a little drier than the Gretsch. Ayotte (6.5 maple with maple hoops) loud and bright with a little dirt. I guess what I mean by dirtier is very responsive to the press roles more so than just loosening the snares. Old 30s single ply Ludwig (with newer style lugs but no spring inserts and nickle over brass everything) the loudest drum I've ever played with darker overtones and good dirt.

I could go on but I'm sure your bored already. I use Remo Ambassador coated on every one of them.

Regards,

Gary

What is the model of this sweet Rogers snare you speak of??

Isaac

I second this comment. I have both a 1958 Ludwig Buddy Rich Classic and a 2004 DW solid maple snare, and I love the voice I can get from each of them.

It's kinda like the Ginger or Maryann debate. Beauty and sound are in the eye and ear of the beholder.

Rock-on, John

Is it funny that whenever you get a group of drummers together they can't agree on anything? Keep on Pl

I've had the privilege to own and play some great drums both modern and vintage. And I currently am leaning hard towards vintage right now. But I'm keeping my modern kit just in case I change my mind in the future and it does serve a place as a great rock, blues kit.

One thing I'm not such a fan of is vintage hardware. I'm not a basher but I like the balance and ease of use of the modern cymbal stands. Not that the vintage stuff is bad, per se, but I think some of the additions in modern hardware make my life easier and that translates to more enjoyable time playing the kit.

I'm sure someone is going to point out that I could find vintage hardware that I liked as much as my modern stuff. And I have tried but was unsuccessful. Its hard to demo each brand of vintage stand, bassdrum pedal and hi hat stand without spending a fortune on ebay.

Has anyone tried different head combos with the old 3 ply shells?...In your opinion what works best with kicks and toms?...My 58 Sling kit is quite different sounding,very bouncy,very lively.A drummer bud of mine suggested emps top AND bottom to give it a little more bottom end.Help ...I,ve only ever used ambs on my drums and really have never experimented.

Seems like Aquarian is everyone's favorite company these days. I'm partial to two plies on top on toms and single ply on the bottom and single ply medium weight on a snare. I think a two ply on the bottom would really deaden the sound and limit your projection. If you play miked, it wouldn't hurt to experiment with it. I have my own philospy on kicks. I use an Evans EQ2 for the batter and a single ply on the front no muffling or a Muffles ring on the front head. I like the fact that the little holes around the perimeter of the head let some air out and in my mind I think that gives me better beater ball response when I want to dig the beater into the head.

["when I want to dig the beater into the head.[/QUOTE]

I love when drummers speak this language. Does anybody believe anyone other than the drummers in the crowd appreciate what this means ??

i think they are superior. i'm new so forgive me for jumpng in but i'd rather have my 71' double bass ludwig set than my current 6-piece yamaha 93' maple custom...even without the 2nd bass drum. i just remember the old set sounding "warmer"...but maybe as we age it's how we hear things too.