Buying vintage drums can be a costly mistake. It pays to research the drum that you are buying. SEARCH on the internet, READ vintage publications and above all ASK pertinent QUESTIONS about a particular vintage drum that you are considering.

Pictures play a very important role. Revealing sometimes only what a seller might want you to see. If there is a question you have on specifics not noted-such as size, shape, color or design you should ask to get important answers. Questions that are important that pictures/description don't answer would be:

 1.) The age of the drum-20's, 30's, 40's, 50's 60's, 70's 80's or 90's ?

2.) Are you the original owner? Could you describe it's history?

3.) The overall condition of the wrap-yellowed/discolored? cracks/scratches? any damage?

4.) The condition of the shell- Is it warped/out of round? cracked/split? any extra holes drilled?

5.) The metal parts- Are they ALL original? any scratching/pitting? broken pieces? missing parts?

6.) The drum heads- new/used? old/need replaced?

Also ask for more pictures. We are all willing to express the ONE picture of the drum to list but, ask for more specific angles,ask specific questions that might help you picture in your mind of what the drum looks like.

Many of these are negotiating factors for the buyer. You can decide from these answers to these questions if this particular drum is THE ONE for you.

Look for Buying Vintage Drums-2 soon.....