It’s official: vintage kits are hip again. It seems like every up-and-coming drummer we meet is clamoring for that rare, retro find to give their sound and presence that shot of authenticity.
But, as those of us who cut our teeth on the rusty hardware, warped shells, and chipped wraps of actual vintage kits can attest, modern drums certainly have their advantages.
Fortunately, today’s kits offer the best of both worlds: precision shells and throwback finishes coexisting in perfect harmony. So, if you’re looking for something a little less off-the-shelf and a little more off-the-beaten-path, then feast your eyes on these six modern Sweetwater kits with real throwback appeal.
A&F Raw Steel Whiskey Maple
With its wood hoops and double-sided center lugs, the A&F Raw Steel Whiskey Maple kit is big on that prewar parade-drum panache. Its rustic, hand-cut steel shells and aged hardware are perfectly complemented by a set of chunky maple hoops that have been treated to a whiskey-infused caramel lacquer finish. Altogether, they deliver an unforgettable experience from both sides of the kit. Factor in that Ringo Downbeat sizing and classic one-up/one-down configuration, and this kit has all the trappings of an heirloom kit with modern precision artistry.
Ludwig Zep Set Amber Vistalite
We’ve gotten tons of questions about the kit Nick used in our “Thunder on the Roof” Sweetwater promo. It’s none other than the Ludwig Zep Set Amber Vistalite. This kit’s amber-tinted acrylic shells are spot-on re-creations of the kit John played in The Song Remains the Same, shot in Madison Square Garden in 1976. And talk about thunder. The Zep Set’s biscuit-shaped 26-inch kick drum and 14-inch and 18-inch toms call down that “Hammer of the Gods” drum sound without much prompting. And, from its blue/olive badges right down to its Vistalite bass claws and Super Classic lugs, this kit delivers on its throwback promises.
TAMA Starclassic Walnut/Birch Phantasm Oyster
Here’s a kit with all the trappings of a modern TAMA — bold hybrid shells, die-cast zinc hoops, and bleeding-edge suspension mounts and hardware — but with a far-out lacquer finish that really brings the groovy good vibes. Each TAMA Starclassic Walnut/Birch Phantasm Oyster kit is a unique work of art. Every shell is spun, dripped, and sprayed by hand to create a truly one-of-a-kind presentation. And we’ve got to say: that flawless finish peeking through from underneath those minimalist Starclassic lugs and beefy Star-Cast mounts serves up a hearty stew of old and new.
DW Collector’s Series Pale Blue Oyster
The Collector’s Series boasts a seemingly endless supply of retro wrapped-finish options. But, for vintage enthusiasts, few take the cake quite like the DW Collector’s Series Pale Blue Oyster kit. This Sagan-approved FinishPly five-piece transforms yesterday’s oyster finishes into something at once familiar and modern with a deep, painterly quality up close and a sparkling marine luster under stage and studio lights. DW’s full-size turret lugs and STM mounts have never looked better. And, thanks to its class-leading hoops and hardware, this Collector’s Series kit is one that’ll never reach its expiration date.
Pearl Masters Maple/Gum White Marine Pearl
Thin maple/gumwood shells and 60-degree rounded outer edges lie behind this Pearl Masters Maple/Gum White Marine Pearl kit’s pearly-white smile. And take it from us — once you feel that buttery-warm response in your hands and gaze upon the Masters Maple/Gum’s snowy-white countenance, you’ll be all smiles, too. Pearl’s Masters series leads the pack in production kits bearing custom-quality shells, finishes, and hardware. We especially like the Masters Maple/Gum’s classic CL bridge lugs, which impart a timeless look while offering just the right amount of shell-dampening dryness. Rugged MasterCast hoops ready this kit for the demands of stage and studio.
Vox Telstar Silver Croco
Sylvia Massy and Steve Maxwell are just two of the collectors who have taken to the quirky Trixon Speedfire/Vox Telstar from the mid-20th century. Today’s Vox Telstar Silver Croco brings the same offbeat visuals of the OG — from the flat-tire, oblong bass drum right down to the faux-croc wrap — to a modern kit with great tone and personality. Today’s Telstar shells are made by Sakae Osaka Heritage, crafted from quality birch and alder for a surpassingly full voice and great dynamic range. You also get a set of heritage Vox Ampliphonic badges for heartwarming visuals any vintage fanatic is sure to love. A full set of ultra-light flat-base hardware rounds out the package.
Craving a Classic Kit? Call Sweetwater!
Got a particular kit or finish you’ve been chasing for some time? Give your Sweetwater Sales Engineer a call at (800) 222-4700 and let us know what you’re after. Even if we don’t stock it, there’s a good chance we can get it for you. You make the call. We’ll make it happen.
