Jim,
Yeah! That would be cool...but, it's like you mentioned...It probably all boils down to a few things with most of the vintage drums (modern drums, too -in a different way) and that is:
1.) Drumhead choice
2.) Tuning preference
3.) The listener's vantage point
I once heard a bass drum on a recording that sounded H-U-G-E...only to find out later that it was an 18" drum tuned really low!
Plus, how a band/drum kit is recorded makes a big difference.
I really think a lot of the distinctions among vintage drums have more to do with the style of hardware they used. The Slingerland "sound" may well be more related to the Slingerland look. The Slingerland LOOK was stick-saver rims and WMP (at least to me).
Gretsch was probably an exception because of the fact that they utilized diecast rims which ultimately focused the tone more. But, that also made Gretsch drums LOOK different, too. I think they got perceived as being "more deluxe" than all the other drums that used triple-flange rims.
Rogers had what many believe to be the ultimate looking hardware with their Swivomatic line.
Ludwigs were the ubiquitous drums -they were everywhere. They were practical. They were a trusted name and many "first real drum sets" were Ludwigs. Their designs worked and they made sense. The quality control wasn't the best, but then again, few of the Big Four manufacturers had good QC -outside of Rogers, that is.
IF we could produce four drum sets (configured from equally-dimensioned drums, of course) from a time capsule and they were exactly as they had come off the assembly line 40-50 years ago -untouched...would any of us be able to tell the brand based soley upon the sound -like, as in a blindfold test? It would be an interesting test for sure. I doubt if I could pick out which one was the Slingerland from the Ludwig from the Rogers....I might be able to pick the Gretsch for the reason I mentioned earlier, but the others? I don't know if I could or not.
