The Slingerland sets are very nice. I have to say that I have always liked the flat based stands and I had the pedel when my original MIJ unit failed. Even so, I'm partial to the bass, tom, floor tom layout. With my first set, which had an 8x12 and 9x13, I set aside the 8x12 almost from the outset because I like to have the ride in fairly tight and that's a bit more difficult with a twin-tom setup. Given that my first set was blue sparkle, I am partial to that, as well, and yours is a perfect example of the top of the line and probably most popular setup Rogers ever produced.

If I had to retain just one set, it probably would be my 1964 Rogers Headliner in blue onyx with the 14x14 FT option and a metal Dynasonic. This is a facimile photo because the set I currently have hasn't been unboxed from the shipper yet.

My favorite in the 60's catalogs was the sister kit. An example I used to own is in the second photo. I still have one of those too, but the blue onyx is in better condition so it would probably be the last out. The red onyx is also stashed away in boxes thus far. I've got some unpacking to do in the spring. Who knows, I might change my mind after I unpack them and set them up!

JCC - super nice. I can't identify that wrap. Brown oyster pearl? Puzzled...

Blue oyster pearl. Thanks!

Glad for the clarification Jeff. I thought it was oyster blue. LoLoLoLo

One of the things about that finish is that it morphed into hues that make the final result very unique on any given kit. I made an offer on a smaller set of the same color recently. I wasn't successful. However, it was an entirely different color in reality. Same pattern, same original finish, but unique. One might call it oyster green. Just another one of the lovely features of a vintage drum set that will never be repeated.

If I had to choose just one to play, it would be my Downbeat. If I had to choose just one to gig around, it would be my Jazzette.

Pics won’t upload. :(

I'm still pretty fond of my red sparkle '60s Ludwigs.

I don’t think I could just choose one. That’s almost as bad as asking which one of my kids would I choose…lol

This is a stellar post, and honestly I have had to think a bit on it before I would say much. First of all, yall have some beautiful drums! It makes it hard to talk about my old dusty tubs!!! Please excuse my lengthy post...I know the original point was what would be my main rig but I kind of felt the need to explain why stuff landed in a hierarchy so it makes sense to me. Maybe I am just trying to justify an addiction to fellow addicts! LOL!!! In my collection, I have:

Oaklawn era Camco: 8x12, 8x12, 14x14, 14x20, 4.5x14 snare re-wrapped in 3D moire with all Rogers hardware

George Way: 8x12, 14x14, 14x20, 4x14 snare in original blue sparkle with all Rogers hardware

1968 Ludwig Super Classic in WMP with matching pioneer

Ludwig blue vistas: 10x14, 16x18, 14x22

White badged Kents: 9x13, 15x15, 14x22, 5x14 snare in blue diamond pearl and W&A rail

Orphan WFLs: blue sparkle 9x13, faded WMP 16x16, EXTREMELY faded WMP virgin 14x24 (ba-BOOM)

Pearl President (I believe): 9x13, 16x16, 14x22, 5.5x14 in sky blue pearl.

Each set is extremely unique except the George Ways and Camcos. Over the past handful of years I have mainly used the Kents because they have the band logo BD head, they have the factory bags, and they are always set up at the practice space which is where we go to load up. By far they have gotten the most use because of that. I used to gig the Pearls which look beautiful under lights and play very well, but now they are set up with silent strokes and Zildjian LV80s for in home practice and honestly get play time several times a day (honestly most used instrument I have ever owned). I have gigged the vistas once...they are quite powerful! I also have gigged the super classics quite a bit in years past, but they are in need of a deep clean and new heads again so sadly have been on the shelf for a few. I gigged the WFLs a few times, but not with the new (to me) WFL floor tom.

Overall my favorite gigging set is the Camcos. For me, they are the most user friendly drums as far as tuning, they look super sophisticated on stage, they are the most comfortable for me to get around on, and sound amazing. I typically set them up as a one up, one down and leave the second tom at home but I love that I can set them up as a 2 up, one down, or even set them up as a stand up set and put a snare stand in the tom mount (working on that, cause that would be way cool for a simple gig). To me, these have the most configurations, the best sound, the cleanest look, and as soon as I get a 20" logo head will probably be my main gigging set for the next few years.

Second would honestly be a tossup between the Kents and Ludwig Super Classics. Both have a very different tone and feel, but both are extremely versatile in different ways. The Kents are more comfortable for me as a player, but because of the poor quality control from the factory they are difficult to tune (something I could/should probably fix). The Ludwigs have a MASSIVE tuning range and sound as good as they should but using the rail pushes the tom a bit higher than I like. I could absolutely compensate that with a snare stand or flying the tom from the cymbal stand...but it wouldn't change where they fall as far as a favorite set for me.

Third would be a hard tossup between the vistas and WFLs....and this is the only reason why. The WFLs have a 24" BD. I love that about these because its SOOOO fat and warm, but it presents its own issues with stage setup and spacing, and I don't have a case for a 24" drum. Also, call me superficial, but they are orphan drums and mostly look like garbage. It was the intent for that set, but because of that I don't use them often. Otherwise it would be a 3 way tie for second...cause the WFLs are extremely lovely sounding drums. We have a "home" bar and they do get usage there, but when I need to look the part these simply fall short in most cases. The vistas are stuck down here because of a few reasons. I have no case for the floor tom or rack tom, and they are a bit much for smaller indoor venues. This set to me was ALWAYS the reason I wanted to be a drummer. I knew it was not a set I would frequently use and honestly is what drove me into wanting to "collect" some drums that would get use...but admittedly limited use.

In dead last is the George Ways. All of my drum sets have something in common except these....I got them for a smokin deal and I had to fix them. These...I feel like I got a good deal on but I am not really sure. I have no clue what they are actually worth, I have not owned them for long, and I can already see some lug strain where they were tuned too tight in the past. These are set up now in my space (as are all of my drums) tuned and ready to go...and sound identical to the Camcos which is why I would be most hesitant to really mess with them often for gigs. However they will be used on stage a few times a year because in my mind an instrument is only worth something if it makes music.

My 63 Gretsch Progressive Jazz kit. 12/14/20/snare Born together.

Unfortunately, I may end up selling. I have have had it since 92

I got the 65 Shelbyville Slingerlands a while back. But the price difference is significant and I ain't getting any younger!