Beware of the Counterfeiters
I suppose it had to happen. People, even well meaning,
have had replica badges made for vintage Gretsch, and Ludwig drums, copies
of Slingerland Sound Kings and Radio King beavertail and streamline lugs.
On the one hand, hobbyists have wanted to add matching drums to existing
sets. Until recently, these same people had to be on a constant lookout
for the matches. It could take years. The less lucky or patient,
sometimes stripped drums in good shape just to recover them for a matching
set. I see it regularly, and I hate it.
Unscrupulous builders
took the next step and made new sets or added a new shelled drum to a
vintage set and put on the offending replica badge.
BE CAREFUL NOW!
If you don’t know enough, you may get taken. I advise you to
only deal with reputable dealers and study the drums for sale. Ask
questions and make sure you get a money back if not satisfied promise.
Even dealers get fooled…some of the copies are that good.
If a vintage drum looks too good…too new…then it’s probably a restoration
or a copy. We drummers play drums, and so expect marks, scratches, and
fading.
If you would like to learn more about vintage drums,
then I invite you to order my book for Modern Drummer. We’ll send you an autographed copy of
The Great American
Drums ! Email us for details. | |
