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What's a good price to pay for a set of Sonor Teardrops, Chicago set-up? Last viewed: 19 hours ago

Posts: 82 Threads: 30

So, I need a new drum set. I sold everything--everything except my cymbals, a throne and a snare stand--a few years ago to concentrate on my education. Now I've got to get playing again. My favorite kits have been a Fibes kit with Jasper shells--I'd love to find me one of these but they seem to have disappeared from ebay and every other venue--and a Sonor Teardrop kit that I had a few years ago. I'm considering getting a Gretsch kit but man, it takes about 1500 to get into one of those and I remember liking my Teardrops more! (I've never been able to fathom why you see Teardrops for well under a grand but Gretsch kits, from the 60s, command more like, 1500-2500. I'm not saying the Gretsch sound isn't great. It is. I love it. But is it "better" than the Sonor vintage sound? Of course these things are very subjective but looking and hearing those Sonor Teardrop kits from the 60s, they can hold their own against any Gretsch kit.

But here's the question: can anyone could tell me what a good price to pay is for a set of Sonor Teardrops, Chicago set-up or otherwise, including snare, in good but not museum condition? And if 3ply with rings command much more than the 6ply, it'd be helpful to know that, too.

Thanks all!

Best,

Jace

Posted on 11 years ago
#1
Posts: 6524 Threads: 37

Supply and demand,...in the last 3 years drop kits are in demand. People realizing what they were missing. You`ll be pressed to find a complete kit for less than $1000 in any condition. What you see out there now is incomplete or parted out kits. Even damaged parts are selling.

You are entering a market on the rise and it`s really difficult to answer your question. Which is probably why you are asking.

Good luck and stay on it to get what you want,....they go fast !i

It`s a drum,.....Hit It !!

.....76/#XK9207 Phonic Sound Machine D454/D-505 snares !i
Posted on 11 years ago
#2
Posts: 6524 Threads: 37

sonormuseum.com Go here and ask around.

It`s a drum,.....Hit It !!

.....76/#XK9207 Phonic Sound Machine D454/D-505 snares !i
Posted on 11 years ago
#3
Posts: 39 Threads: 2

+1 jacebart on Teardrops sounding as good or better than gretsch. Jmho.

I think it has to do more with the jazz tradition, and the old school who had that "gretsch sound". Of course, Klook, Dejohnette, and other jazzers played Sonor. Not trying to disparage either brand.

I'm about to complete a 64-65 Teardrop kit and I'm stoked. Love my beech Sonors brotha!

Posted on 11 years ago
#4
Posts: 39 Threads: 2

Dude there are some Teardrops on the bay right now I think. Been refinished but supposedly an original wrap. Now is the time to jump on those bad boys.

Also a gold vox kit (rare made by trixon) that I bet sounds badass. Asking 1500 obo. Maybe someone could get it close a 1000.

Posted on 11 years ago
#5
Posts: 507 Threads: 31

Can somebody please explain the term "Chicago Set-up"?

Believe it or else!
Posted on 11 years ago
#6
Posts: 9005 Threads: 266

Mick - it was just a 12", 16", 20" set-up that they chose to call, the Chicago set-up. They're 'German' drums named 'Chicago set-up'. Some name the marketing geniuses at Sonor dreamed up. 'Chicago' has always been associated with music, especially the Blues. Maybe they figured a kit with an American moniker with real music mojo would sell more of their tubs to aspiring drummers by associating them with Chicago (even if in name only,) than a kit called say, 'The Stuttgart set-up!' LOL

Get it? Marketing crapolla. Means nothing. Just 'another set of drums'.

John

Too many great drums to list here!

http://www.walbergandauge.com/VintageVenue.htm
Posted on 11 years ago
#7
Posts: 536 Threads: 69

Dude. Here's the skinny and NO Sonor guy will say other wise.....

...and before I say anything, I have a set of 60's Sonor Drops, and love em for for rock but...

..... most Sonor guys will say Phonics for rock/metal.

Be very critical of market value. It literally can change from week to week.

BOL.

Jim

60's Sonor Teardrops & 70s Premier AMs
Sabian
Vic Firth
Remo/Evans

"unless it's vintage, it's just another wooden tube."
Posted on 11 years ago
#8
Posts: 417 Threads: 22

From Purdie Shuffle

Mick - it was just a 12", 16", 20" set-up that they chose to call, the Chicago set-up. ...

13, 16, 20 is more like it. 12" teardrop tomtoms would be very rare indeed. The majority of teardrop kits are 13, 16, 20. Bass drums can be either 6 or 8 lugs, the more the rarer and the better.

/Magnus

Posted on 11 years ago
#9
Posts: 9005 Threads: 266

From Magnus_N

13, 16, 20 is more like it. 12" teardrop tomtoms would be very rare indeed. The majority of teardrop kits are 13, 16, 20. Bass drums can be either 6 or 8 lugs, the more the rarer and the better./Magnus

I stand corrected! Thank you for the info. One of the things I love about this place is... I learn something new every day!

John

Too many great drums to list here!

http://www.walbergandauge.com/VintageVenue.htm
Posted on 11 years ago
#10
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