Always Think- RESALE!
We have all bought items with our hearts and then later
learned to have regret for such decisions. It happens with drums, too. There are
now lots of boutique manufacturers and there are major manufacturers who build
limited issue snares and sets and label them "Collector's Item".
If
there are two facts I believe about drum collection that I "take to the
bank", they are:
1) True collectors' items are usually no newer
than 30-35 years old.
2) The term "rare" is now the most
overused term in drum collecting.
The reason some old things are rare-
is that they were bad ideas or made in unpopular finishes. Well, a bad idea is a
bad idea and ugly is ugly.
There are no drum police out there to limit
the words rare, collectible, vintage, etc., so I always advise drummers to look
for what the public has already determined to be vintage and collectible. Black
Beauties are rare, Radio Kings are not. Each is collectible.
Most drums
made today or in the last 25 years are not rare and not collectible. Maybe some
will be, but we may not know for another 25-30 years. In the meantime, if you
want to collect or get something that should appreciate, then stay with 60s
Ludwig, Rogers, Gretsch, Slingerland and Camco. These are stalwarts.
If
you want to expand on it- then go back as far as you can, but no farther than
the mid 1920s. Look for Leedy, Ludwig & Ludwig and Slingerland.
Remember,
it is always supply and demand. The market drives the values. If you want a new
set of drums, ask yourself this question: "How easy will these be to sell?"
Will the future buyer want your 2000 set from DW or from some unknown boutique
manufacturer or out of business little company?
Collectible drums have,
except for Gladstone, been professional model drums from the major
manufacturers.
If you want to learn more about vintage drums, we invite
you to order an autographed copy of his Harry's book for Modern Drummer, the
"The Great American Drums". It's only $ 19.95
plus shipping. | |
