What is it about vintage gear that makes me drool?
I’m 23 years old, born in 1985. So “vintage” drums (in my eyes) were created at least ten years before I was born. I own a early to mid seventies Gretch “stop-sign” badge kit, and every time I play it, I fall in love all over again.
I’m wondering why exactly these drums and other drums like them hold such a high place in my heart. There’s a few things I feel like I need to be clear about first though; why these drums shouldn’t make me drool…
- The hardware isn’t as solid. This is an easy one. I don’t care how many people rave about the Rogers Swiv-O-Matic pedals/mounts, they simply aren’t as solid. I see absolutely no reason to use these things, especially the tom mounts (unless you’re trying to keep it all original): In fact, when Gary Gauger created RIMS mounts in 1980, everything else was immediately rendered outdated and useless. And pedals and hi-hat stands are the same way… I’m sure some people still swear by Ludwig Speed Kings, but I’ll take a modern DW 5000 or my Tama Iron Cobra any day of the week.
- The drums weren’t necessarily as well made. Interestingly enough, the idea of the “sound reinforcing ring” is coming back into vogue. I know Tama and DW offer them currently, and I’m sure most custom companies do as well. People like them now for the effect they supposedly have on the tone, “warming up” the sound of the drum. But what is used now as a sort of tone-enhancer was originally used for a much more utilitarian purpose-keeping the drums in round. For an interesting article on this topic you can check out this page.
- The shells were not as 100% anything. To my knowledge, the shells on my Gretsch kit (Jasper) are maple/gumwood. Gumwood, eh?
That aside, let me say I obsess over the sound of my kit. “That Great Gretsch Sound” is due not to the alchemic silver sealer (GASP) but a combination of the maple/gumwood shells, die-cast hoops (which choke the drum a little), clunky hardware, and 30 degree or less bearing edges. In other words, the reasons we SHOULDN’T like these drums are actually the reasons we do! I love the sound of vintage drums because they capture a way of making musical instruments that the world will never again see.
Trust me, I like technology. My Tama Starclassics have precision bearing edges, perfectly rounded, thin shells, and the latest suspension mounts and hardware designs, all designed to optimize performance and resonance and minimize weight. I love these drums. But part of my heart will go out to my way-too-heavy-for-their-sizes 22×14 kick (ten lugs, mind you!), 13×9 rack tom, and 16×16 floor tom.
