Thank you very much, HummDrum! As a guy who grew up during "The British Invasion", I find these stories fascinating! Actually meeting Mr. Best must have been quite an honour! What a positive outlook that man must carry around! For me, those were the best days of my life. The times were truly changing: music, philosophy, fashion, art, social mores, basically, the way we saw ourselves and each other. I owe a lot to the era. I was too busy with trying to play drums in every garage band that would have me that I never got into any real trouble. Stupid kids' stuff, sure, but, nothing serious. I'm rambling. Guess it's my age. Anyway, thank you very much for the stories, guys. They are appreciated in a most genuine way.

Brian

Is this the same one? Can't find the photo you mention now. Not my photo

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bigaldaviesishere/2308793260/

Says was photographed in Matthew Street but also seen it said that the drum kit is now a museum piece in 'The Beatles Story' museum, Albert Docks, Liverpool.

That photo is of Colin Hanton's set he used when he was in "The Quarrymen"

Skiffle and Rock band John had when he met Paul. Then Paul and George joined. Ringo traded in his Premier set to the music store he got the Ludwigs from. No one is sure what happened to them after that.

The pic of Pete at the Cavern Club in this thread looks to be Premiers from the lugs.

Nutbox:

This is the pic I'm talking about (far right). To me this looks exactly like the set that Johnny Hutchinson used when he filled in with The Beatles at the Larry Parnes audition. This might even BE that set.

Note the toms with no bottom head.

http://www.beatlesource.com/savage/1961/61.xx.xx%20unknown/61.xx.xxunknown.html

Yes, that is a wild photo. I read somewhere that one of there fill in drummers left his set and Paul took possession of it. Anyone remember or read anything about that? I wonder if that could be it and if that is a pic of Paul and his instrument collection at the time? I know there was a piano like that at the McCartney home.

The lugs look a lot like what is on my Carlton drum. John Dallas started Carlton drums in 1935 but before that he was involved with selling drums that were made by Premier so maybe the Premier and Carlton used the same lugs on some drums. I'm only guessing - Just some thoughts here.

The drummers in those early 60s beat groups often had really crummy sets due to finances. But they played 'em and made them sound good.

I have a set of Sonors from 1957, which I am told were used in the "Star"

Club in Hamburg (and they sure look it!) Next year, I am going to restore them as best I can.

Thank YOU, Retrosonic! Mel Taylor of The Ventures! Man, I remember those days with great fondness. How many kids tried to copy those guitar licks from The Ventures? Even The Beatles were in awe of The Shadows in the early days. Those purely instrumental bands made quite an impact on the musical scene back then!! As for pete Best, I agree. I'm glad he made some money! The gentleman deserved it. Thanks again for the story, Retrosonic. Sometimes, I think back...

Brian

Youre welcome, Salty. Those were indeed, great days. Rock and Roll was a MUCH different thing back then. It really meant something to us as kids, we lived for the next record by our favorite band.

I've been a big fan of The Ventures and Mel Taylor for like 45 years. The excitement I felt (and still get) from those 1960s Ventures albums is pretty amazing. pure power drumming.