When you say "to collect", do you mean not a drum to gig with, but just snares that sit on a shelf to be admired? If so, here's a picture of some of my snare drums in my "drum room". All the snares on the left side are MIJ and really fun to collect! The majority of each drum in my collection was well under $175, but some of the USA vintage drums were more! I really don't want to add up the total cost, as it might make me depressed! LoLoLoLo

-Mark

Well my friend, I would say you do have a few. I am looking to put up for admiring. I really love the way the older radio kings look, but the collection price is up there, out of my range. I,m not to interested in the sound king, but really like wraps that some have. The MIJ drums are interesting, but I love the American made . I don't know much about Rogers, are they that much in demand ? Thanks Mark,

Bucky

Under $175 ?

Ludwig Acrolite. The older the better. Or... wait a little longer, save up a little more $ and treat yourself to a keystone Supraphonic.

John

I would have to say it is totally dependent upon what you like. I have a bunch from Ludwig, Gretsch, Slingy, etc that I have paid under $175 for. The majority get pulled from the rack to get played but most sit to be admired. To me a lot of the fun in collecting is being patient and hunting for them. I really think there are way too many out there to say just one, but if I must.... One of my favorites in my collection is a 1963 Walberg & Auge Maple Marcher that I actually paid $95 for!

Thanks John,

I have chance to buy a Slingerland Phantom snare, some scratches, for $200. Not real sure.

I don't want you to miss out on any good deals, but trust an old timer, patience really pays off sometimes. Good luck in your hunt and don't forget to have fun doing it. :D

John

If you're serious about starting a collection of cool vintage drums, I have a project drum that I never got to. It's a 7"x14" Radio King. You can have it for $325. if you want it. It's complete and original, just needs some serious detailing. PM me if interested.

The drum is not for sale to anyone else as I don't really want to sell it. I'm offering it to Iamdrummer to help kick-start his collection. Otherwise, I'm not interested in selling.

[IMG]http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n632/PurdieShuffle/bdg3_zps69496e84.jpg[/IMG]

John

Hi Bucky!

Yes, I really like my collection! As to American-made drums, most that you might be interested in can sell for way more than $175. As others have said, be patient. Still, I've noticed the trend of uphill prices...even for MIJ snare drums. Some sellers are just asking too much and the drum doesn't sell. As for Rogers, there always seems to be a market for wood-shell Luxor, Tower, Powertone and Dynasonic. Yes, the Ludwig Acrolite can be found for less than $175, but for collectibility, I'd prefer a 60's Acro with P-83 strainer and baseball bat muffler. I doubt you'll find a nice one for under $300!

There are still good deals out there to be found, so be patient and keep looking!

-Mark

CTMichaelV!

I love your marching drum! Here are some pictures of my 1930's Slingerland Junior Boy Scout marching drum. All original, including the calfskin heads top and bottom! Paid about $115 for it 3 years ago.

-Mark