Supposedly, here is some of the kit used at the Motown Studio.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevesobczuk/845387867/

I have that same kit. Love it!

Ironically, I was just thinking about this same subject and was thinking about posting. Another one of "the most recorded drums" in music history.

- Tim

Because there were several drummers and a couple of different kits with little to no upkeep ... the "Motown Sound" from the drummers perspective is pretty much across the board. You wouldn't do wrong with a Gretsch, Ludwig, Slingerland, Rogers, Camco, MIJ, or most any other 50s-70s kit.

Cool. Looking at the pic, were these the Super Classic sizes of 22, 13, 16?

Can't really tell. I always thought they used a 20" bass, but not sure. And what kind of snare?

The BD in the photo is a 20".

Yep almost any 60's kit used for rock could also be used for Motown just difference in how they are tuned and heads...

I see my picture of the drums and vibes from Flickr at the Motown studios have gotten a few hits from this site.

The snare drum is not in view in my pic, but it was defintely there. It was a

5X14" Ludwig, most likely an Acrolite, if my memory serves me correctly.

That Ludwig set was most likely the 'house" set, as different drummers would have likely brought in their own sets. That set looked era correct and had the wear and tear of something that old.

On the tour it was noted that the Motown company moved to Los Angeles around 1971 and they just locked the door and left everything as it was in Detroit. Touring the studios and offices at Motown and seeing all of the vintage gear, instruments, office furniture and the apartment of Berry Gordy and his family, the story seemed completely plausible and highly accurate.

Camco here: