Every month I get calls, e-mails and letters, often sent first to Modern Drummer. The content is usually a question. It's either "What do I have?" or "What is it worth?"

The answer is market driven. We know through the last ten years that collectors and serious players want vintage snare drums and/or full sets. There is no great movement in bass drums (especially single tension), or hardware unless someone wants to have a complete set as pictured in a catalog. The other three areas of interest are parts and catalogs themselves and good cymbals.

The snares and sets that hold their value or increase are always Professional models. The Ludwig Standards, the Club Dates, the Slingerland Stage Bands, the Camco Tuxedos, the Rogers Tower models are all fine drums- but they were built as a "second line" and just don't appreciate as much.

Below them, I would list the other "almosts"- drums from Duplex (Ohio) Kent, Revere and Vibratone. There are others like Barry Duplex (St. Louis), Nokes & Nicolai, Novak and Wilson Brothers among others that just don't seem to bring much interest.

Time will tell. But this much you can take as gospel. Everything is market driven, and the market only wants pro line drums.

So save your money. Don't waste it on the "almosts" unless you get an incredible deal. Instead, go straight for the high end non-depreciating equipment.

If you love old drums, check out my book for Modern Drummer called The Great American Drums ! E-Mail us for information on autographed copies.