Hello there.
I like to read about ALL kinds of drums -both new and old ones. I like to compare and contrast the styles of manufacturing and the various design elements amongst the different brand names. I am always curious to see who is trying something different or who is trying to contribute to the evolution of the drum....But really, when it comes right down to it, a drum is a simple instrument. It's complexity is only really realized in relation to the complexity of the player. In other words, a good drummer can make a bad drum sound great but, by the same token, a bad drummer can make a great drum sound bad.
So, then...What difference does it make to concentrate on the drums when it is in fact the drumming that will ultimately determine the sound?
Collectors don't even necessarily need to be players in order to enjoy their collections, however. In terms of collecting vintage drums, I oftentimes read of "quality control" issues -especially with 60'S era Gretsch and Ludwig drums. Things like "poor bearing edges"...."out-of-round shells"..."seam separations"...etc.
And yet...
Gretsch and Ludwig are dominant brand-names in the world of drums and, quality-control issues aside, there is a history to those names. The history is part of the value that allows us to overlook the quirks that were part of the drum manufacturing industry some 40-50 years ago.
But, what about NEW drums? -Modern drums, I mean.
When a modern drum maker produces work that is as "quirky" as some of the older drums were, there is no history behind them that allows us to be as merciful -so-to-speak. We have come to expect that modern drums have worked out all those old "kinks" -that, in essence, modern drums have studied the ways to improve older ideas by way of applying more attention to the details that went under the radar on vintage gear. With everything that is now known about the drum, it would seem almost unforgivable for a modern drum maker to get away with the same types of structural and/or cosmetic flaws that were commonplace on much of the vintage gear. But...IS that really the case? Or, is it possible that modern manufacturing has flaws of its own?
Do any of you know examples of modern drums that have quality-control issues? I'm not talking about in terms of "bargain" drums...I'm speaking of professional-level instruments.
