The Boutique Drums
Unlike any other time this century, drum buyers are
inundated with choices on brands. When I was growing up in the 60s, there were
seven drum companies from which to choose. The biggest were Ludwig and
Slingerland and they were followed by Rogers and Gretsch, Camco and Premier and
Leedy, owned then by Slingerland.
I don't even know how many companies
are out there today.
There are between 15 and 20 recognizable names but
there are also "The Boutique Drums". These are little companies, and
sometimes not so much companies as one, two or three individuals who stain,
paint, drill and assemble drum shells and hardware.
The availability of
mass produced shells, lugs, spurs, hoops, etc. has made it all possible.
The
finished products from some of these "little guys" rival anything that
the "big boys" produce. The residual value, however, is the tough
issue to address. What will a used product made by XYZ/No Name Brand Drum
Company bring in the future? Who knows?
Historically, there were small
manufacturers in the past. Looking back at some of them- Duplex, Vespe, Kent and
others, there is little value. Looking at Billy Gladstone, there's a lot of
value.
I wish I had a crystal ball. And I wish every custom company the
best of luck. It's a drum jungle out there.
If you'd like to read more
about vintage drums, I invite you to order an autographed copy of my book,
"The Great American Drums". It's $ 19.95 plus
shipping. | |
