(most) Vintage drums = cool

(most) Modern drums = not cool

;)

But seriously, folks....

The question is somewhat vague. Could you be more specific?

To be more specific I am referencing strictly sound quality and not atheistic’s.

What is the difference with how the shells were produced vs. today’s methods?

Does age of the wood affect the sound? Do vintage kits have a problem with not being in round because of exposure over time?

All drums are not created equal. I am curious why newer cheaper kits in the $1000 or less range sound generic unlike more expensive drum kits and vintage kits that seem to have a unique sound? What are some of the specific reasons?

Thanks everyone!

Some pros of vintage drums:

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[*] Those thin three-ply old growth hardwood shells sound fantastic.

[*] Different bearing edges that were more common in the past (30º, rounded, etc.) lend a different character to the sound than today's standard 45º or double 45º's. Not necessarily better or worse, but pleasantly unique when compared to modern drums.

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...and some cons:

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[*] Old wooden shells, especially ones that aren't looked after, can be out of round or damaged.

[*] Modern hardware, in general, is more convenient than vintage gear. Today's equipment also tends to be better designed in regard to how it affects drum acoustics -- i.e. suspension mounts, springless lugs, etc.

[*] Drums built before the late 1950s will probably have slightly larger shell diameters, possibly limiting your head choices. (While I like the Aquarian American Vintage heads on my drums, they're not perfect for everything.)

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There are some great drums on the market today, especially at higher price points, but there is some great bang for the buck to be found with vintage drums. If you stay away from the collectors' items (Ringo or Bonham, anyone?), there are plenty of great sounding old hardwood shells from companies like Ludwig and Slingerland hardwood shells that can be found for less than today's "beginner" drums made from cheap woods like lauan (aka Philippine mahogany) or basswood.

And besides... Old drums, like old cars, are just plain cool.

In addition to the information that's already been listed, you can also try doing a search for things like "shell construction" or "shells", etc. and see if there aren't already some older discussions that deal with this question, too.

Wood that has been air-dried retains the cellular pockets, where the water once resided, intact, within the wood grain. Some people think this type of wood is lighter and produces a more resonant-sounding shell. Wood that comes from old-growth lumber has annual growth rings that are closer together, too. The argument is that, as good as the wood was, the wrap-glued-into-the-scarf-joint method (e.g., Ludwig 3-ply) might have counteracted any of those microscopic differences! It's a hair-splitter's argument that could go on all day. The bottom line is that manufacturing has changed and there are no more drums being made the way they used to be made. Therefore, there are no modern drums that will ever truly sound like vintage drums, in my opinion. It's like, the difference between a chocolate cake and a carob-flavored cake -you change the ingredients, you change the taste!

In some instances, yes. However, I find that a drum that was made round to begin with and then stored properly over time, will retain it's shape indefinitely.

The wood. The construction methods. The bearing edges. The hardware. The type of drumheads. The basic raw materials used in manufacturing. Actually, you will find a wider range of detailed answers to this merely by reading through old posts. There are just too many to list!

Far to many factors to offer "an answer" to the question,but one thing is certain,,,,vintage drums have a vibe about them,and a sound not duplicated by new drums because they simply are,nt old enough....yet.Not to be confused with vintage garbage,and there is a lot of it...Finding a real authentic gem is harder than it sounds.To many guys in the old days were way to "drill happy"

My advice is to go to some of these vintage drum dealer sites and 'listen' to the demos of the vintage drums they have for sale. Then, 'listen' to some of the modern kits they have up for sale. You will absolutely hear a difference. After you are convinced of that, you can then read and read and read about the individual makers and become an educated drummer that will appreciate a good drum sound. One of the bennies...

Personally, I like early 70's 3-ply shells but there are a lot of newer decent drums out there that are fairly reasonable in terms of price. My advice is to shop around, do some research and buy something you really want or like. Any good, quality drum can be made to sound good...Won't sound as good as mine...:D

TAMA makes good, solid drums in the less than 1000 range. As for American modern, you have to look at the midline stuff built off shore in order to get anything decent under a grand. The American made stuff is too high for the everyday working man to afford, so looking at the vintage stuff for that vintage sound is, of course, the only way to go. You could have a certain few members here custom build you a "new" vintage kit. There are some good shells available today and some of us know the craft well enough to build a kit out of modern shells that will sound very good, and vintage at the same time.