I bought these drums used when I began high school. I knew the Porcaro family in Los Angeles and Joe used to play a nice blonde Camco set so I wanted Camcos. They are black.
So, I still play this set--gig now and then, semi-pro- and I love the sound, but sometimes I think, man, I could use some money and maybe I should sell these and just buy a solid DW set and have money left over.
Any thoughts? Anyone out there play Camcos! You know they sound and feel great!
I would keep the camcos. You can get a used DW set easily and at good prices. I have a DW kit. They are great drums but they aren't the end all of drums, They are making DW's all day long, they aren't making old camcos any longer.
I agree with VM2000...keep the Camcos, they don't make them like that anymore...
Bob
I can afford any drums I want; I will always keep a Camco in the mix. To my ears I always prefer them over DW. LA Camcos are my favorite era.
Just keep them and find a nice used modern kit to gig. Even the most expensive kit can be made to sound terrible if you have an awful sound guy live.
Had a few times even in the studio when I was not happy with the engineer's choice of mics. Anyway keep the Camcos. They will be long sought after vs a used DW kit.
I can afford any drums I want; I will always keep a Camco in the mix. To my ears I always prefer them over DW. LA Camcos are my favorite era. Just keep them and find a nice used modern kit to gig. Even the most expensive kit can be made to sound terrible if you have an awful sound guy live. Had a few times even in the studio when I was not happy with the engineer's choice of mics. Anyway keep the Camcos. They will be long sought after vs a used DW kit.
I've heard drummers make expensive drums sound bad as well. I'd keep the Camcos, you can't beat vintage drums.
So much Camco Love! Thanks. You know they were stolen last year. I called every pawn shop and used music place in Los Angeles. I was sooo depressed about losing these drums. I had no idea Camcos were so sought after until I visited this site!
Long story short, the owner of a music store near me called me up, asked me if I wanted my drums back, said some creep wanted to sell them to him. He bought them back for an outrageously cheap price, the robber didn't even know what a cymbal is, let alone what a four piece Los Angeles Camco set is.
Thankfully, almost miraculously, I got my drums back and no longer keep them in the garage. They are in my bedroom closet, even though my wife sometimes complains about it! :)
You are right, though, finally it's the drummer and not the drums, you know. My old teacher, Freddie Gruber, used to say a great drummer will make the telephone book sound good!
What a story !
Yes, there is definitely a lot of Camco love.
Quick question,...
I'm working on a Los Angeles Camco data base.
Would you be willing to check the interiors and let me know if there are numbers written or stamped inside.
It would be fantastic if you could take a few shots and share them.
Thanks a lot.
Here are a few pictures of the drums, individually. I also have a 20" bass drum which is not pictured. Looks like someone wrote the number 729 in red marker on the interior. Crazy, but I never replaced one of the heads--of the larger side tom, so it's the original Camco head. Think I better replace it. (I often play with only one side tom.) I'm curious to know what this means, if you know anything--date, etc. I know I bought these from a private owner in or around Los Angeles in 1971 or '72, possibly as late as '73.
Ronnie in Los Angeles
I realize that the photos aren't so good, particularly the interior, so here is a better one of the interior with the serial number written in red marker 729.
Ronnie
One last photo with 20" camco bass drum. Photo taken at night, backyard gig, private party, not the greatest detail. Didn't use the larger side tom.
Ronnie
