bonzonerd
10-12-2005, 03:36 PM
If you want to get into buying shells, refinishing them and then ebay them, then you might want to get in here.
1. Be aware of market value
Obviously there isn't any market value because market value is what people are willing to pay, but you have to be aware of how much kits of your kind/condition go for. There is nothing worse then spending money refinishing a drum only to find you can't make a profit on it.
2. Have a parts collection
It is good to have an extensive parts collection before you start buying shells because often the parts cost way more then the shell does. Be sure to browse ebay to find the best deal.
3. Be patient, and keep looking
Cheap, vintage drums don't come easy. You have to be patient unless you are looking to spend top dollar for museum grade quality. 18" Floors and 26" Kicks are increasingly rare and to find a good deal (on ebay) you have to be incredibly patient. Make a habit of frequenting pawn shops and garage sales because you never know what you may find.
4. Know what you are buying
Take a pen and checklist whenever you go to buy a vintage drum. Make sure the edges are intact and that the shells are round. If hardware is rusty or the wrap is coming off then just get them to take some money off because chances are you were going to re wrap anyway, and the hardware is easy to clean. Be able to tell if something is fake or not too. There is a company that sells fake Vistalites on ebay so you have to keep your head up. A good idea is to take pics of an item, take pics, get it put on hold and then when you get home have the pics appraised. By doing that you can find out if you're getting a good deal and if you can make profit off it.
5. Originality
Originality really counts on old drums, especially if they are signature to a famous drummer. If you see a drum in fair to poor condition and isn't too expensive, don't shy away because often value won't depreciate when a signature item is still completely original. In many cases, value does depreciate when something is modified. IE: re wraps, or modern hardware.
Vintage drums are a great hobby, and hopefully this will help you out when you go to buy. I have a link to a great inspection checklist that I will post as well. Feel free to post helpful links or tips that I haven't already pointed out.
1. Be aware of market value
Obviously there isn't any market value because market value is what people are willing to pay, but you have to be aware of how much kits of your kind/condition go for. There is nothing worse then spending money refinishing a drum only to find you can't make a profit on it.
2. Have a parts collection
It is good to have an extensive parts collection before you start buying shells because often the parts cost way more then the shell does. Be sure to browse ebay to find the best deal.
3. Be patient, and keep looking
Cheap, vintage drums don't come easy. You have to be patient unless you are looking to spend top dollar for museum grade quality. 18" Floors and 26" Kicks are increasingly rare and to find a good deal (on ebay) you have to be incredibly patient. Make a habit of frequenting pawn shops and garage sales because you never know what you may find.
4. Know what you are buying
Take a pen and checklist whenever you go to buy a vintage drum. Make sure the edges are intact and that the shells are round. If hardware is rusty or the wrap is coming off then just get them to take some money off because chances are you were going to re wrap anyway, and the hardware is easy to clean. Be able to tell if something is fake or not too. There is a company that sells fake Vistalites on ebay so you have to keep your head up. A good idea is to take pics of an item, take pics, get it put on hold and then when you get home have the pics appraised. By doing that you can find out if you're getting a good deal and if you can make profit off it.
5. Originality
Originality really counts on old drums, especially if they are signature to a famous drummer. If you see a drum in fair to poor condition and isn't too expensive, don't shy away because often value won't depreciate when a signature item is still completely original. In many cases, value does depreciate when something is modified. IE: re wraps, or modern hardware.
Vintage drums are a great hobby, and hopefully this will help you out when you go to buy. I have a link to a great inspection checklist that I will post as well. Feel free to post helpful links or tips that I haven't already pointed out.