I'm looking to buy a full set of Roto Toms, but would like some additional information. Some of them have two chrome 'cages', others have a chrome top cage and black bottom cage. What's the difference? Is any type better or more collectable than others?
Thanks
Jim
Chrome Rotos usually got for more.
I think the ones to look for are the original Remo's,I think the older Remo were silver then they changed to black,but other companies made them,I used to have a set of 6,8,10 Dixon, made the same way;silver cast aluminum, but probably not as collectable as Remo
Both the older and newer series for Remo Roto toms are interchangeable. I have the first series and other than finish, the only difference I can find is the second series has levers on the crossbar. I have just nuts and need a wrench.
If you have mixed colors, you prolly have a put together set.
I miss mine. Had the 6-8-10 setup with black bases I bought in 80 I think it was. Had the lever on the crossbar to tighten. Only pet peeve they were not level if anything pitched out to the sides a bit. Was a little weird till I got used to them. I didn't want to bend the threaded rod so left em as is. Not sure if it was just mine or a common trait they had? They were slick as $#hit though!! Love to get more someday!!
Here's a picture of mine that I brought home the other day from my parents house. I got these in the 80s and they still have the original heads when I bought them used from a local music store $100 (I think).
Roto toms were a very unique idea and added alot of colour tones to the set,never owned any but always admired the concept.I was a Tama Octoban guy which also added alot of colour to the drum set in melodic tones.Wonder if these old Octobans will ever go up in price and hope the Roto Toms will as well.These innovative ideas only seem to come around every 20-30 yrs, so enjoy the time period sound if you have them.Wonderful stuff for sure!!!
I believe the only difference is in the finish, chrome or black paint. backbeatkeeper is correct, the chrome do tend to sell for more. You can still get the 6"-14" new. If you want the 16" and 18" expect to pay as Remo discontinued them a few years ago so those prices have gone up. I picked up a complete set from the original owner about 10 years ago. I have them set up on a rack and use them to gig with my band. It makes the setup easy/tear down a breeze as 2 people can pick up the kit to move it in one piece. I only have to add or remove the cymbal and bd pedal.
Mine are on the basement kit now, no call for them. I have always enjoyed their sound. The cross bar and lever set up can catch your skin--done it a few times. So I like mounting mine (12, 14" black) on multiclamps, which can give you more placement options. There are some more elegant solutions out there.
