I haven't played that many but the early 70s kits with the African mahogany shells are great. I have a 1972 202 kit that has the best sounding toms of any of my kits. And I just bought a 303 kit in need of some love because I wanted a 22" BD version with the same shells. Seriously excellent drums.

Andrew, I never get tired of seeing that blue shimmer kit of yours. One of my favorite wrapped finishes.

I too think the early seventies kits sounded great. Their have been several rave reviews about the resonator drums though I have never played them. Premier built really great and classy drum kits.

Here's my personal favorite... my own 1969 18x12/12x8/14x14 burgundy pearl, with 14x4 blue pearl royal Ace snare:

I 've played on some different, but the earlier 60s kits with the "Everplay Extra" heads were had really amazing sounding, it were a great drums, despite the uncomfortable tom-mount...

George.

Apart from the already mentioned late sixties/late seventies kits in mahogany, I think the late model Resonators deserves a mention.

I have these - better made bearing edges than on any earlier Premiers I have:

[img]http://www.gratisimage.dk/thumb-F671_4F990DFD.jpg[/img]

[img]http://www.gratisimage.dk/thumb-5674_4F3A4E2E.jpg[/img]

[img]http://www.gratisimage.dk/thumb-F3EB_4F390286.jpg[/img]

18x16, 12x8 & 14x14 Resonators from @ 1990 - the tom holder is just something I cobbled up from Tama parts, have found an original single holder since.

They can be tuned to sound like drums at least one size bigger than they are.

Jon

I'm pretty smitten with it, too. I haven't played the resonators but I'd like to.

These kits a seriously undervalued I reckon. I just received the final part to my late 50s kit today (BD logo decal) so I'll post pics soon.

Jon, that kit looks well smart. Premiers through the late 60s right up to your kit stayed pretty close visually. A bit like the Porsche 911 of the drum world maybe;)

And Royal Ace, that kit is beautiful.

There is a 22,12,13,16 early 70's Prem kit on CL here (G.R. Mich) for $350!...looks good

Wish I had the $$$ to grab....:mad:

UPDATE...this set sold on eBay last week for....$175!...so,minus the 15% they took...they guy got a whopping $150 and change for the set!

Jon, Beautifully photographed... and the drums aren't bad either!

Ron

I got these Resonators from a add on CL three years ago. I think they had been in a barn. The guy even brought them by my house and I gave him $75 for them. At the time I had no clue what they were. Found out they were Premiers flagship kit. The very top of their line. Have to be early , mid 70's.

They seem to be the very early Resonators. No R on the badge. I am thinking close to first edition. The kick spur's and mounts are heavy duty. Has the oblong Tom mount. 24" 13" 14" 16". I had to replace the Tom mounts on the 13" and 14". And found a hoop, claws, and gull wing rods for the bass drum. Still have a extra kick hoop. I removed the birch inserts to get to the lugs and hardware to clean them up. All original except the bottom hoops on the 13" and 16". They sound fantastic. As good as anything I own. I use them on Rock gigs a lot. Just a little to large of a set for small venues and stages. But I love them. I offered them up Earlier this year on CL for $800 to off set the cost of another kit I bought, and not one call. They have or had a set like this at Resurection Drums for $1200.00. I have decided to keep them. To nice and sound to darn good. I play them as 1 up 2 down. With the 24" kick the toms sit to high for my liking on the kick drum. They quit making them because of the expense.

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