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Welcome! To the 1 and only, www.VintageDrums.com ! Specializing in beautifully restored, high quality, vintage, and not so vintage, drums and percussion! Often imitated, but never duplicated! Also, see my Ebay auctions, user id: www.VintageDrums.c0m, my Myspace, id: www.VintageDrums.com, and my Youtube, id: VintageDrumsDotCom Please take the time to read this page! It's Very Important!!! Especially if you SHIP drums or anything vintage/collectible! I recently ran into a HUGE problem concerning shipping items. I used Fed Ex exclussively to ship in the U.S., and always thought I was safe using their insurance(That I was paying extra for!!!). Nope! Fed Ex, as well as others, will only pay $100.00(Ground Service) or $500.00(Express service) on "Items of Extraordinary Value"(their term). I found this out when I received my own Ddrum3 brain back from my parents, shipped Fed Ex ground, fully insured, and after the clerk opened it to inspect that it was packed correctly. When I got it, the box was punctured and the display was damaged, rendering it almost useless. Part of my problem was, I wasn't able to provide a receipt for it, since I bought it many years ago, second hand. This led me to ask the question "What would happen if an item was purchased, sent to a buyer, with proof of payment (ie: personal check, cashier check, money order, etc.)." The answer I got left me breathless! It affected how I, and I'm sure, a lot of people will do business in the future. They would only honor $100.00 for Ground, or $500.00 for Express. Even, with proof that someone paid me $XXXX.XX for it. For example, I was told by the claims adjuster, that "Even a Van Gogh painting, sold and documented at auction, and then shipped without some kind of 3rd party insurance, would only be ellidgable for the $100.00 or $500.00, depending on how it was sent.". So, that leaves me to either, A) Reimburse the buyer the difference, out of my pocket, for something I had absolutely no control over. Or, B) Tell them they were on their own. Of course, either is a horrible predicamnet to be in. I take all the necessary precations to make sure my items are safe as possible in transit, and it's very important to me, on a personal level, that my things make it in 1 piece, but accidents on the part of shippers do happen every now and then. I, and I'm sure most sellers, can't afford to take such risks. I now have no choice but to make the buyer responsible in case of damage. After all, they're the 1 who wants the item shipped. I'll continue to ship, and pack items to the absolute best of my ability. However, I can't afford to be responssible if the shipper damages a package that was fine when it left my hands. I'm sure if you are reading this, and sell second hand items, of any kind, you are, A) Very greatful for all your packages that made it to their destination in 1 piece. And, B) Rethinking how you're going to go about your business in the future. Of course, I do not like the situation I, WE, are in, 1 bit. I'll be looking for alternatives where the items are insured for their value. The value determined by what someone is willing to pay for the item. Think about it. Value is indeed, a very vague term. Even in the case of a new item, which they would fully cover with a retail store receipt. Value is only determined by what people are willing to pay for something. ie: Apple makes great computers. They cost upwards of $4000.00. People are willing to pay that much for them. They didn't cost $4000.00 to make. If people stopped buying them the price would go down, at least, more compareable to other "high end" computers. People buy them because they're good, and they're willing to pay the $4000.00 for them because of it. Value determined! Otherwise, it's just a hunk of metal and plastic that probably cost more like a couple hundred dollars to build... Get it? Value is determined by what someone is willing pay for an item. Not everyone will see it as being that valueable, or feel they have to have 1, but enough people will, which sets it's, so called, "value". This "theory" applies, across the board, to new and used items alike. Unfortunately, the shippers don't see it this way. Even with proof of payment... That's going to be the downfall of all they have built through the boom of internet sales. And yes, this does mean, that even if you own a brick and mortar store front, selling second hand merchandise, of any kind, sell and ship an item, it gets damaged in shipping, it would only qualify for the aformentioned $100.00 or $500.00. No matter what the actual retail price you have determined, and a buyer agreed upon. Please be careful. Also, let me know if there's a better option I should explore for shipping such items in the future. I'll do the same. WARNING: If you like buying dirty, beat up, unoriginal drums, with lots of "character", this is not the place! All items have been professionally inspected, cleaned(Disassembled, cleaned in and out, by hand!), and cared for, by me. My cleaning process is extremely rigorous and time consuming. I do all the work so you don't have to. Better to leave it to me! It saves you time and you know it was done RIGHT! Nobody does it better than me, if they do it at all! One might say, my drums have been, "professionally historically preserved"! Take a rare look inside 1 of my drums, to see what I mean, when I say clean in and out! I'm very picky, and extremely knowledgeable, which helps you! In fact, it's part of what you pay for. Even if you don't know what's original, I do. Down to every last washer, for every last era, of just about, every brand!!! I make sure, you know what you're buying. Not like a lot of the drum butchering, no clue having, dealers out there. Some things you really need to know what to look for. You have no idea how much knowledge goes into that. Don't feel bad though, it's not your job to, it's mine. Besides, MOST dealers don't either. Just because they own a shop, wrote a book, or own a lot of drums, doesn't mean they know these things either. I've dealt with many of the, so called, "authorities", and have often been disappointed. Honestly, some of the most notable, have been among the worst. I generally don't like to buy drums that have been touched by "the business" though. I just don't trust these people enough to know what they are really doing. You'd be surprised at the subtlties of certain things. If your drums aren't EXACTLYas they should be, they aren't worth as much! Also, because I take the drums apart, I've seen to it that every part is original, or not. In most cases, everything I have is original. If not, I will be sure to inform you before the sale. Fortunately, for you, I'm an over observant, anal retentive, freak that gets off on noticing slight nuances in manufacturing, parts, etc.! I've handled tons of drums, noticing and learning many little things over the years. Things you really have to be looking for, and have many other drums on hand to compare to! It's been rather fun actually! For me anyway... Back to my drums! If I like it, I'm pretty sure you will too. I can't think of any of them that I wouldn't love to keep, if it was only possible. I often regret selling them, however, space doesn't permit keeping everything I take in. Even still, I treat all of them like my own. After all, technically, for now, they are... All items are in the best possible condition and closest to new as can be. Ready to take on the next gig right out of the box(Unless otherwise stated.)! I have yet to find anyone else offering truly 100% restored vintage drums. They usually can't afford to put the time in, so you get them the way they got them. Dirty, and often chock full of incorrect parts. Trust me, I know, I've bought from them all! Sorry, I won't name names, but they know who they are. I can honestly say, I've yet to receive a drum I didn't end up making better, through, at least, some degree of detailing work, and setup overhaul. Most need way more than that, but I do whatever it takes to get them back up to their former glory! All items are graded from: Fair, Good, Very Good, Excellent, Mint. Although, you won't find many items here in less than excellent condition! Also, items may receive a + or a - to show that it leans more toward one side of that rating. Ratings are based on what I find to be "typical" to any given item. I see many, of most, of the items I carry, so I know what to expect as far as wear or aging to any given piece. All items described as 100% original are completely original, including heads, snares, etc. If an item is listed as having repro parts, it means they are very close in appearance to factory original. Aftermarket means functional, but not necessarily similar to the original part. Drum heads and snare wires are only mentioned if they are original, otherwise, they are in "as found" condition. Usually, good condition. I've found most people like to change the heads due to personal preference anyway. I try to match heads on sets so they're playable, if possible. Single drums tend to get the "throw away" heads. Most people are buying singles to add to an existing set, and will likely want to change them to match their setup. I try to list all the pertinent general informationon for each piece, but if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. I'll be happy to go into great deatail about the condition or attributes of any of my items. Items listed as "pic coming soon" are on route or being worked on. If there is something you want to see that says this, let me know. I may be able to speed things up. Sometimes I get sidetracked... This site has been up for over 10 years now. It was made using 3(and counting...) different digital cameras. You'll probably notice, some pics are much nicer than others. If you see something you like, but would like to see a better pic, please let me know. I'll be happy to retake it if it is "lesser" quality than what I'm now capable of. Also, let me know if any of them aren't coming up. If you're looking for a certain item I don't currently have, e-mail me. I'll be happy to keep an eye out for you. Please fill in the subject line with the item you want(ie: 60's Ludwig, mod orange, 14" floor tom) for easy filing. It makes a big difference if I will be able to find you when I find the item you're looking for. It also helps when you are inquiring on an item I have. My inbox can get pretty crazy looking! Prices are subject to change without notice, and do not include shipping and handling. I will ship anything, anywhere, on the planet Earth! Email me for a shipping quote if you'd like. Include your zip code or country. Satisfaction guaranteed! If you don't feel my items are worth every penny, email me right away, send it back in the condition it was received(I will know, so no funny business, or no refund!), and I'll give you a refund, minus the shipping charges! If you're interested in something, but need time to get up the $$$, let me know. I'm very easy to work with, and do offer Layaway! I also offer a quick and inexpensive appraisal service! Items are appraised at full retail value. Please email me for details, if you're interested in this service. If you've got something to sell, always check with me!!! While there are certain items I already have, or come across easily, that I may not be willing to shell out big $$$ for... When it comes to something I really have to have, I promise, there's nobody paying more. I have, in the past, and can, afford to buy from dealers at their "retail" prices. Think about it, and don't be fooled. If I pay their prices, what are they willing to give you? Figure a 1/4 of what they sell for. If you're very lucky, and found a reasonable dealer! That's basically rule of thumb for second hand collectibles. They often aren't "retailing" at top dollar, so that means you don't get the "wholesale" top dollar price. I pay the most PERIOD! You'd have to be pretty well connected to do better. It would have to be a private sale to a true collector to get more, and that's provided he doesn't undercut you... If you're having trouble viewing all the links on the home page, try setting your monitor resolution higher. That'll usually fix it. Please bookmark the site, and visit often. I'm always looking to buy, and receive new merchandise all the time! Best to go to "add to favorites" on top tool bar of your browser, since there are actually 3 separate frames running. I ask that you not use my pics on other sites or auctions(I've been seeing this a lot lately, and I will see it!). I take great offense to this, as people may think it's me selling some of the drums from my site. That's not cool! I very rarely sell drums or parts anywhere but here. If I do see my pics used somewhere other than www.VintageDrums.com, I'll be sure to let everyone know what they're looking at. If you insist on using them, do the right thing. Tell people where you borrowed it from, and that it's not your drum they're looking at! Check out the many reasons not to use www.Paypal.com at www.PaypalSucks.com and www.ConsumerAffairs.com! This business, and I use the term very loosely, owes me $270.00 I'll probably never get from them the way it's looking! I was amazed to see how many stories like mine there were! Sorry, mine is very lengthy, so I'm not going to get into it. Also, www.EbaySucks.com too. I do use www.Ebay.com, but I assume a lot of risk in doing so. I've had countless problems with them, and the users as well. To quote 1 of my favorite movies(Star Wars), "You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainry."(Ebay). Let's just say, in most cases, you really do get what you pay for... These sites are in no way related to me, but I found it interesting reading, to say the least. I thought I'd pass the info on to you. A smart consumer, is a safe consumer. You can thank me later... Just so you know, I'm, what I'd consider, a semiprofessional drummer(Defined as: Very good, but not making a living at it... yet!)! Not some wanna-be-player, or guitar dealer in it for the $$$! I truly love bringing great drums back to their best condition, and getting them to people who'll continue to love and respect them, as I do! Lastly, I treat all my customers the same! If you enjoy playing the drums, or are enjoying learning to play the drums, you're a rockstar to me! Rock on!!! Thanks, Jay Last Updated 05/22/2010 Est. 1997 WARNING! www.VintageDrums.com is protected by Brutus, and his son, Mallus, the crazy pit bull security system, and Scary Snake!   Now you can go look at the rest of the site! Enjoy!!!! |
