Vintage instruments are one of the coolest things you can buy. They look cool, and most importantly, they sound great. But there are traps and pitfalls to avoid, and it's best to read up and talk to many people to make sure you make a great purchase you'll be excited about for literally years to come.
Especially with such a physical instrument like drums, you need to look closely at the shape it's in when buying used gear. If it's barely been used, terrific, but sometimes kits can be inexpensive for a reason. You don't want to buy a kit that has been discarded because it's useless, obviously. Look carefully at the skins to see what shape they're in. Ask the salesman what's been changed, or repaired, how old it is, even whether it's been in the store before. Sometimes old instruments have been in a couple times and resold. They'll look at the serial number and usually be able to look up its history. You'll want to know the year the drum was made and what the company was producing then relative to other years. It's almost like wine: you'll ask, "was it a good year?" It also depends what kind of music you're playing.
For blues and jazz, lots of drummers like the warmth of an old instrument. They're mellow, and they have a sound that can't be replicated with modern drums. It's funny buying old instruments now because each one is unique, and to appraise it properly takes a pretty well trained eye and ear. Be very careful to listen to exactly what the salesman says in order to divine whether he knows a lot about the instrument or whether he's throwing out stock phrases that could apply broadly to various instruments. When a salesman starts discussing its features in details, and compares it to other models that aren't in the store, it's a sign that he has a respectable depth of knowledge.
The more you return to the same store and get to know him, the more you'll be able to see how he acts. It'll also convince them you're seriously interested in making a purchase. On the one hand, drop ins don't usually walk out after spending hundreds of dollars, but on the other there is a breed of customer who comes in frequently to play the instruments without buying. Talk to them in detail and make sure they know you're seriously looking, and not this latter breed that wastes their time after arousing their expectations. They'll appreciate you saying to them, "I really am serious, I just want to make sure it's the right purchase."
It's a good idea to check to see what their return policy is because it may afford a chance for you to try the drums out in your own home and hear how they sound. You wouldn't abuse this policy, but if it'll be a deal breaker, they might let you try them for a weekend. You are spending a good amount of money, so always make sure you feel like you have a chip in the bargaining.
Especially with such a physical instrument like drums, you need to look closely at the shape it's in when buying used gear. If it's barely been used, terrific, but sometimes kits can be inexpensive for a reason. You don't want to buy a kit that has been discarded because it's useless, obviously. Look carefully at the skins to see what shape they're in. Ask the salesman what's been changed, or repaired, how old it is, even whether it's been in the store before. Sometimes old instruments have been in a couple times and resold. They'll look at the serial number and usually be able to look up its history. You'll want to know the year the drum was made and what the company was producing then relative to other years. It's almost like wine: you'll ask, "was it a good year?" It also depends what kind of music you're playing.
For blues and jazz, lots of drummers like the warmth of an old instrument. They're mellow, and they have a sound that can't be replicated with modern drums. It's funny buying old instruments now because each one is unique, and to appraise it properly takes a pretty well trained eye and ear. Be very careful to listen to exactly what the salesman says in order to divine whether he knows a lot about the instrument or whether he's throwing out stock phrases that could apply broadly to various instruments. When a salesman starts discussing its features in details, and compares it to other models that aren't in the store, it's a sign that he has a respectable depth of knowledge.
The more you return to the same store and get to know him, the more you'll be able to see how he acts. It'll also convince them you're seriously interested in making a purchase. On the one hand, drop ins don't usually walk out after spending hundreds of dollars, but on the other there is a breed of customer who comes in frequently to play the instruments without buying. Talk to them in detail and make sure they know you're seriously looking, and not this latter breed that wastes their time after arousing their expectations. They'll appreciate you saying to them, "I really am serious, I just want to make sure it's the right purchase."
It's a good idea to check to see what their return policy is because it may afford a chance for you to try the drums out in your own home and hear how they sound. You wouldn't abuse this policy, but if it'll be a deal breaker, they might let you try them for a weekend. You are spending a good amount of money, so always make sure you feel like you have a chip in the bargaining.
About the Author:
Long & McQuade is one of Canada's biggest online music stores and offers a wide selection of electric guitars, drum kits, acoustic drums and accessories.