I guess you gotta do what you gotta do in these econonomic times. I don't begrudge anyone trying to make a buck.

I consider myself very fortunate to not look at these things as having anything to do with the almighty $$ though. I just like drums, and like to make a lot of noise, that's about as far as it goes with me, and thankfully so. I couldn't imagine ever wanting to play again if I felt that if I didn't scour every single internet outlet for countless hours ensuring I didn't "miss out on a real bargain" I would be losing out. I "win" every time I splinter a stick on Paradise City!!!Cool1Cool1

Toodles

Drumhack x-mas3flowerMister T

That's a wonderfully honest and refreshing take. Glad you stuck around.

One trick i used is C/L but i look under Antiques and Garage sales....Search drums.....Mikey

Get yourself set up on mailing lists for live local auctions, then search auction lists that are sent to you. The best deal ever for me was at a local farm auction.

How can you get on the mailing lists? Check the paper or CL?

but just so you guys know, it still happens...

http://www.vintagedrumforum.com/showthread.php?t=26215&highlight=salvation+army

Just put new heads on yesterday...man oh man, these ludwigs are MONSTERS.

The slingerland snare sounds perfect!

Did you go the paste wax route?

I look on CL daily for all sorts of good stuff. Mostly...just look and wish. Sometimes I see some killer deals go out there on CL. I also search the surrounding towns within an hour away or so. If I really have my heart set on something I will stretch out to two hours away...no more.

I never look to buy on forums "For Sale" section. Chances are the people that own said piece are on that forum, know what it is worth, know it is collectable, and demand full asking price...which I simply cannot afford. One hot rod forum in particular is different though. Most parts on there sell for a fraction of what they are worth cause everyone there is pretty cool with each other and it is more about building cars together than making a buck off of someone you know.

I also look at local garage sales. The Saturday morning ride around the hood on my bike really is refreshing. When I find something, often a new bottom of the line kit or a piece of one, people have no idea what it's worth or isn't worth. I will drop em a card and let them know that I may be interested in older music gear, old car stuff...there's a list that I scribble on the back of the card. I got a call from one last year or the year before on an old Schwinn that I ended up buying.

No, I just wiped them off with a rag. They look alot better than those pictures from the day I got them. I don't really care about or like shiny things, so I'm not really concerned with buffing them up or anything. They match the rest of my equipment perfectly like they are (61 bassman, 65 bandmaster, assorted other old stuff)

Huh..

(Scratches head)