I had a set for a few years and loved them. The floor tom (which was actually a "Star" FT which someone had refitted with Ludwig lugs) was the warmest, most resonant FT I've ever played. I think they look great on stage, but one caveat: they are HEAVY. I gig with Club Dates now and love how much weight the single lugs take off.

I recently got to hear my son play my 1970's Vistalites in a public performance with the local small symphony that we both play in. They sounded great and looked great on stage dead center in the middle of all the string instruments. :)

This is a clear set with 24" bass and 13", 14", 15", 16" and 2 18" floor toms (although we only brought the 13" and 14" toms for the performance).

Scott

I have a clear set of Vistas that appear to have been inside cases more than they were out. Really nice condition! Sound wise, they ARE a different animal. They are more suited for rock music. I haven't found much use from them yet (I play mostly blues and outlaw/classic country these days). I haven't been able to find a 20" tom head for the floor tom (rare floor size). It's a 22" (virgin bass), 12, 13 rack toms and a 20" floor. I'm wondering if a 16 or 18 may have been separated or sold off from the kit... anyhow. One day I would like to buy a 16" floor and put the set to use unless I decide to sell it.

i have to say in the early 70's i had a double base slingy set of plastic drums and they sounded great for the time i played a lot of gigs with them they were red non see through ....

Man, I have owned and played at least 10 Vistalite kits over the years. I will say two things about them:

Great for rock & roll.

They will hold their value upon resale.

I prefer clear Silver Dot, or Black Dot heads on them, but whatever floats your boat is fine. Great drums.

John

They sound great with coated Emperors, IMO. I have yet to try them with black dots.

I have three sets...12,13,16,22 Tequila sunrise and 12,13,16,22 Italian flag; Green,white,red...And I bought the Bonham reissue a couple of months ago. They all look and sound great!

Hey Vin, do you notice any differences between the originals and the Bonham reissue? More so along the lines of construction/hardware that the differences due to the size variation. I'd love to have a go at a set of the Bonham sizes just to pretend, I bet that kit is fun to play.