My brother, -most- of the kits I have restored have cost me more than they are worth in a re-sale.
It's a labor of Love... we're not crazy, we just have something in our lives that we are passionate about. That we love no matter what the cost. In the end, I think it's a good thing.
John
I have a feeling that I'm not the most obsessive person here, but even so, each of my acquisitions is usually just the gateway to additional spending. I've gotten a few good deals, but I'd say my average for a 12-13-16-22 shell pack is in the $750-$800 range with shipping. Once acquired, each kit got a replacement set of heads and new bags, so that's an additional $500 or so. A few of my kits were also refurbished professionally (new edges, cleaning) for another $300 per.
Long term goals (that may never occur) is for each of my Slingerland sets to have a matching snare (looking for silver sparkle, have given up on the Phantom) and its own Super S-O-M mount (four so far), so that could potentially account for an additional $400 or so as well.
Al
Great to hear from all my VDF family that I'm not alone with this! Honestly, I rarely, if ever, think about the total amount I spend on each kit or separate drum to bring it back to life! All this was simply because my girlfriend said "how much?" LoLoLoLo
-Mark
I agree with most every thing said, but us Canadian boys also need to deal with difference in money, customs fees, cross border shipping, adds up in a hurry! not that great a selection over here.
I try and keep costs under control but sometimes...
Just a kit until all correct bits in place. Then it is an outfit :-).
Will dare too say just as big of a grin when a MIJ come back to life. Darn bit less expensive.
Thanks Glenn !! One of these days Duco Thunder will be an outfit.
Creighton
I've had three pursuits outside the normal day-to-day work over the years, into which a lot of money has been placed. Old homes and/or reproductions of same, sports cars and drums. I might be on the upside overall, but I wouldn't actually care to check in detail as you did with your floor tom.
However, if you think you have a problem with $800 or so in that drum, you're a lucky guy to have stuck to just drums. Very mild expense I would say, coming with a lot of enjoyment in the final outcome. And...........that drum is gorgeous. What a nice looking addition to your Headliner set-up. Can't wait to see the entire set together.
Keep in mind what it costs to buy a brand new name brand set of drums and you'll feel really good about your floor tom!
I've had several guys comment that I could just buy a used set cheaper than spending all that time fixing up orphans, but I enjoy taking something no one wanted or had been abused and bringing it back to life. When I first started, my thoughts were like "wow, a REAL Ludwig shell...and its only $50!! I can get some rims and lugs off ebay and be off and running!" Then you start to add it all up... :p But its fun for me...besides, the wife won't let me rescue a dog from the pound, so I figure this is the next best thing!
I feel your pain. My first vintage kit started with the purchase of a 1958 22/13/16 Slingerland WMP kit for $650. 10 correct Ts and claws and two 13" COB sticksaver hoops probably cost me another $150. Then came a matching 1958 Super Gene Krupa snare was $300, plus about $150 for some correct parts. New heads were probably $150 as well. Period correct hardware was $200-250 (I got a great deal on cymbal stands). Then the crowning glory was the matching canister throne for which I paid $440 for. So, all told, I put over $2,000 in that kit. However, I did OK by trading for a mid-40s RK kit that used to belong to Barrett Deems. But, I still miss the 58s.
By the way, Mark, your 15" FT looks amazing. Enjoy it!
Lynn
I make sure to never pay attention to, and definitely not add up the final cost of a project...:)
