[dtompkins]

I am just getting back into drumming after15 years off. Kids and career put my music on hold for a while, but the kids are old enough to play, and my career is working well.

I want to get a great set of vintage, but durable, drums. I can afford decent drums now, unlike in my younger days, and really want to work on my chops. Advice for some decent drums (or some intel on where to get a decent kit) is appreciated. Did some DCI, jazz, rock and swing stuff.

Irv Hudnell was my teacher years and years ago.

David Tompkins

[slingerland59]

Hi David. Welcome to the forum! I'm a lawyer/drummer too in exactly the same place as you -- getting back into drumming more seriously after career and family developments.

I guess I'm better off because I've always kept my drums (which are now classified as vintage!) and played sporadically over the years. For example, the variety shows at law school were amazing -- there were lots of talented musicians there. But you might be better off if you can lay down some serious cash on a new kit. The cymbal variety out there nowadays is mind boggling, to say nothing of the beautifully finished drums.

Have fun scouring the pages of EBay, Musician's Friend or other used drum sites. My goal is to collect some additional vintage Slingerland drums to expand my kit, but to also save money to purchase something new like Taye, Ayotte or DW. I'd like to have two kits so I can play side by side with my kids and their friends.

	Taye Drums Shop for Taye Drums at Musician's Friend

	DW Drums Shop for DW Drums at Musician's Friend