Started on Ludwig...Had a short affair with Gretsch for about a month... Then went back to my Luddies again...LoLoLoLo

I am digging that Rogers kit. Modified or not. I am with you - I am a player kit guy too. I just want the sound and the cool older wraps. Extra holes, non original mounting, etc doesnt bother me. However, I did decide to leave my four smaller toms 6,8,10,and 12 as concerts (was planning to convert them). I was pleasantly surprised they actually sound pretty good with coated pins on them. It is a nice contrast with the regular toms which are 13,14,16, and 18. For the most part, my kit is all original except someone painted some of the toms black on the inside but once the heads are on you cant see that :)

I know what you mean! I think I just dig both really. I was reading a recent MD article of a well known session player, and he was talking about this very thing. I won't say the name, but he made the point that both vintage plus modern kits are valid and that he uses both. I have seen pics of him using Ludwig...but not sure if they were new or older ones in the photos. Of course, he is endorsed by Craviotto and I'm jealous...those look amazing.

I've seen pic's of both Steve Jordan and Steve Gadd, Yamaha endorsers playing Ludwigs on sessions. Gadd was on 3 ply, Jordan 6 ply......

My point exactly! It's funny because these are two huge influences for me, and I play modern Yamaha maples, but also vintage Ludwigs :)

Yep. almost turned this one down because of the extra holes. Couple of carriage bolts later - Viola! This one's gonna be buried with me! You know, the Set-O-Matic holder's the best vintage tom mount I've had. Very adjustable, solid, but not beefy enough to kill the resonance. No RIMS mount needed, unlike the Pearl on my Rogers......

I have played on nothing but vintage drums. I started out on a three ply Gretsch, then moved on to six ply. Those drums sounded amazing, but lacked the projection I needed to play in a stoner metal band. The answer to that.....Ludwig Stainless Steel. I bought the first set I came across in person. I will never own another set again. I would suggest buying things in person. Nothing is worse than ordering something that looks amazing, and getting something that doesn't sound as good as it looks.

As far as vintage hardware, I have always used whatever the stock tom mounts were. Rail mounts, gretsch's double tom clip mount, ludwig L-arm mounts, and vintage snare stands. I have never had any problem getting them into position or them failing me. My diamond plate on my SS set is a little worn out, but has never collapsed nor does it ever spin around. I use a modern flat base ludwig cymbal stand for my 24" ride. It has never acted like it wants to tip over or fall in any way. Ludwig curved spurs are a top notch design and never moves out of place. If you are worried about a vintage bass drum moving around, just get one of those bass drum anchors that clips to the front rim, or do what Bill Ward did and just nail your bass drum to the stage.

Bottom line of the whole thing.......Love the drums that you play. No matter if they are vintage or new. Find a sound that makes you happy and gives you the voice you are looking for.