Only Admins can see this message.
Data Transition still in progress. Some functionality may be limited until the process is complete.
Processing Attachment, Gallery - 133.67015%

First vintage kit to restore?

Loading...

Hi all,

After being interested in the subject for years, and then joining this forum, i'm interested in looking for a vintage drum kit to restore.

I don't have a large budget by any means, so i was just wondering what other people restored as their first restoration? Or maybe even snare drums, seeing as generally they appear to be cheaper and are much easier to ship....

Kieran

Posted on 11 years ago
#1
Posts: 5295 Threads: 226
Loading...

Normally, you can get MIJ (Made in Japan) kits/snares fairly cheap...Parts are plentiful if needed too...

Cheers

1976 Ludwig Mach 4 Thermogloss 26-18-14-14sn
1978 Ludwig Stainless 22-22-18-16-14-13-12 c/w 6-8-10-12-13-14-15-16-18-20-22-24 concert toms
1975 Sonor Phonic Centennials Metallic Pewter 22-16-13-12-14sn (D506)
1971 Ludwig Classic Bowling Ball OBP 22-16-14-13
1960's Stewart Peacock Pearl 20-16-12-14sn
1980`s Ludwig Coliseum Piano Black 8x14 snare
1973 Rogers Superten 5x14 & 6.5x14 COS snares
1970`s John Grey Capri Aquamarine Sparkle 5x14 snare
1941 Ludwig & Ludwig Super 8x14 snare
Posted on 11 years ago
#2
Loading...

Sorry if i'm quite clueless on the subject.... but i was hoping maybe for some examples of brands/models that sell well and won't break the bank....? Particularly snares...?

Kieran

Posted on 11 years ago
#3
Posts: 5295 Threads: 226
Loading...

MIJ snares such as Stewart, Lido Supreme, Crest, Apollo, etc. (and about 100 other names) can be found for $25-$50 depending on condition...Resale value is normally $50-$100 depending on condition, wrap color, number of lugs, etc...

Ludwig Acrolite snares are common and popular and you can pick them up for usually $75-$100...Resale value is normally $75-$150 depending on the year and condition (Keystone badges sell for more)...

Westbury kits/snares are entry level, but, can be picked up pretty cheap and beginner drummers always look for these kind of kits...

I`m sure others will chime in with more examples...

Cheers

1976 Ludwig Mach 4 Thermogloss 26-18-14-14sn
1978 Ludwig Stainless 22-22-18-16-14-13-12 c/w 6-8-10-12-13-14-15-16-18-20-22-24 concert toms
1975 Sonor Phonic Centennials Metallic Pewter 22-16-13-12-14sn (D506)
1971 Ludwig Classic Bowling Ball OBP 22-16-14-13
1960's Stewart Peacock Pearl 20-16-12-14sn
1980`s Ludwig Coliseum Piano Black 8x14 snare
1973 Rogers Superten 5x14 & 6.5x14 COS snares
1970`s John Grey Capri Aquamarine Sparkle 5x14 snare
1941 Ludwig & Ludwig Super 8x14 snare
Posted on 11 years ago
#4
Loading...

Ah okay so for a beginner Japanese manufactured drums are the best way to get into vintage drums? what about brands such as premier?

Also I put a few of those names into eBay - very few came up, so apart from eBay where would be good to look, bearing in mind I'm in the UK?

Kieran

Posted on 11 years ago
#5
Loading...

I dont know if you have Craigs List in the UK or not but that is usally the source for my drum findings. Ebay would be fine also especialy if you find something close enough to pick up. If you do have Craigs List, you can put an add in the wanted to buy section, that has worked for me. And keep your eyes out in second hand stores and pawn shops. I bought a very nice Pearl President kit at store here called Music-Go-Round where they buy and sell equipment.

Premier would be an excellent choice and I would think you would find them easier than we can but I could be dead wrong. But, the MIJ kits that Granto mentioned would be fun also. I have restored Apollo and Stewart kits and they came out nice and sound good too. Just stay away from MIT stuff.

Jeff C


Thank you!
Jeff C

"Enjoy every sandwich" Warren Zevon
Posted on 11 years ago
#6
Loading...

From jccabinets

I dont know if you have Craigs List in the UK or not but that is usally the source for my drum findings. Ebay would be fine also especialy if you find something close enough to pick up. If you do have Craigs List, you can put an add in the wanted to buy section, that has worked for me. And keep your eyes out in second hand stores and pawn shops. I bought a very nice Pearl President kit at store here called Music-Go-Round where they buy and sell equipment.Premier would be an excellent choice and I would think you would find them easier than we can but I could be dead wrong. But, the MIJ kits that Granto mentioned would be fun also. I have restored Apollo and Stewart kits and they came out nice and sound good too. Just stay away from MIT stuff.Jeff C

I restored a Tama imperialstar, did a full rewrap. came out beautiful. but it still was costly as the wrap was as much as the drums. I scored the drums on Craigslist (power tom kit)


Fatchoppers
Tama
Ludwig
Posted on 11 years ago
#7
Posts: 5356 Threads: 87
Loading...

Being in the UK I think a nice Premier kit would be pretty easy to find. They are beautiful drums and the hardware is pure class in design. Finding a project kit complete as possible will save you in the long run. Buying parts piece meal can be very costly. Not to mention trying to locate the harder to find parts at times. A MIJ or European brand kit would be a blast to fix up too. ;)

Glenn.

Not a guru just havin fun with some old dusty drums.
Posted on 11 years ago
#8
Loading...

Rather than looking for a specific brand (Although the Premier kit would be nice, especially if you're in the UK) watch for a kit that catches your eye for a reasonable price. A buddy of mine picked up a set of 50's era Radio Kings at a tag sale two years ago that didn't need much in the way of parts but needed a lot of TLC to get it looking and sounding nice. He paid $250.00 for the kit and then put about another $300.00 into cleaning supplies, new heads and such. He got a new rail consolette for the kit to replace the Ludwig that was on it and then sold the Ludwig so it kept his budget pretty low.

Posted on 11 years ago
#9
Loading...

I look at Premiers in the gumtree ads in the uk all the time, though I live in Canada. If I lived on your side of the pond I would definitely start with one. There are so many beautiful vintage Premiers floating around the UK just looking for some love.

Don't know where you are in the UK, but i jumped on there and found this in 2 minutes http://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/1960s-premier-duroplastic-drums/1007096496

If I ever get a tour in the Uk i'll rent/borrow drums for the gigs and fly one back with me!

1964 Ludwig Champagne Super Classic
1970 Ludwig Blue Oyster Super Classic
1977 Rogers Big R Londoner 5 ebony
1972/1978 Rogers Powertone/Big R mix ebony
60's Ludwig Supersensitive
Pearl B4514 COB snare ( the SC snare)
Pearl Firecracker
PJL WMP maple snare
Odds & Sods

Sabians, Paistes, Zildjians, Zyns, UFIPs, MIJs etc
Item may be subject to change!
Posted on 11 years ago
#10
  • Share
  • Report
Action Another action Something else here