The books are the absolute best move you could make here.

The second best thing (well...not necessarily the "best") you could do is to visit some storefronts that house some vintage gear. It's worth a trip. Check it out - hands on. Get a feel for the real deal.

Then, pick up a tom. Not a snare. Play with the tom and check it out close up. Study the bearing edges and the wrap and the build. Appreciate the wood layups and rerings. Single orphans are cheap. Put a selection of heads on it. Try a set of coated amb and some calf and whatnot. Really get into the drum.

While you do this, study the different wraps available to ALL manufacturers. Find five or so that really make you swoon. Focus on those wraps.

Now, the fun part.

Go hunting.

Hello and welcome to the forum!! The amount of information here on the forum is outstanding!! Great folks here also!

For sure, the Rob Cook books are great. I have the Ludwig and Rogers books and will order the Slingerland soon.

Good luck in your quest!!

Harry

Hello,Welcome too this great forum..You guys have cover it pretty well..Name of drums.ete...But i will also say Talk and ask Questions about any vinatge drums..I have been at this for 30+ years and i'am still learning more like i will see a drum say made by Ludwig in a finish that i have not seen and ask questions about to fine what it is.When you get the Vintage drum bug all i can say is that you are going to like the Ride...Mikey

Thanks again.