Louie Bellson’s Rogers drum set, Charlie Watts collection.

I managed Charlie’s collection of drums from 2007-2014. Over the course of that time he purchased many sets and other items from me. His desire was to purchase items that were owned by drummers he admired. One of those was Louie Bellson. I sold this set to Charlie and wanted to share it here as a piece of our drumming history. For those who have never heard of Louie, check out this video. It’s a grainy black and white from 1967, but check out Louie’s playing. https://youtu.be/feF0DzZiwzQ?si=w_pSC9wCCqlLH2qz

Below is a description of the set I sold to Charlie:

This drum set is Louie Bellson's Rogers drum set used in the later 60s. Louie was one of the most incredible players of all time, and to have one of his sets in our shop is a true honor. The set consists of  9x13, 16x16, 2-14x22, 5x14 chrome dyna, canister throne, bass drum pedals and high hat stand. This set has been authenticated and originally came from a person who got the set from Louie and had it for many years. The set is a Fullerton era Rogers kit designed to Louie's specifications in that all of the shells are natural interiors, not the speckled interior usually found on Fullerton era drums. Additionally, all knobby brackets with the exception of one cymbal bracket are the old Pat Pend variety, and all collets are the older, sturdy, machined variety. Set is white marine pearl of course, and consists of the following: Two 14x22 bass drums, each with two sets of spurs. The right bass drum also has a knobby bracket for the cymbal arm, and includes the cymbal arm and tilter. There are a few extra holes on top where Louie had moved brackets around. These are plugged with bolts. The left side bass drum has a knobby bracket and the L cymbal arm and tilter. There are a few extra holes on top where Louie moved the bracket once. These are plugged with bolts. This bass drum also has a knobby bracket that was used with an extension arm to secure his high hat to the shell so that he could move it closer to his left foot. The bracket is present, but the extension arm that attaches to the high hat is missing. Both bass drums have the Louie Bellson logo heads. These heads have a silhouette of Louie behind his kit with the words: "The dyna-sonic sounds of Louie Bellson" The Rogers logo name on the heads is a stick on decal. Both of his swivomatic bass drum pedals are included, as is his high hat stand. The toms are 9x13 and  16x16. The 5x14 chrome dyna is in nice shape with a couple of minor dings in the shell. The canister throne is included and it has the initials "L. B." written on the inside. Original Rogers batter heads on the toms. Set sounds wonderful! Truly a historic set!

Sonor SQ2 medium beech. 8x12, 14x14, 14x18. Brown walnut burst.

Here is a brand new Sonor SQ2 drum set with medium beech shells, finished in a beautiful high gloss "Brown Walnut Burst" lacquer and sized 14×18", 8x12", and 14x14". This finish is an immediate eye-catcher with its figured walnut wood grain and smooth burst into black. The high gloss lacquer gives it even more wow factor. Steve’s notes: I have had this set for a few years. We had sold the snare separately and the 12/14/18 then got stashed away for some reason. I found it just the other day. I have the tom post for the tom holder but do not have the portion of the tom holder needed to attach to the 12. So, selling this one as is. Brand new, killer drums and a special deal. $3000. Contact Steve by text at 630-865-6849 or by email at vintagedrums@aol.com

You can use the Sonor SQ2 configurator to see detailed builder specs on this outfit. Visit and plug any of the serial numbers below into the "ID/Serial" drop down menu:

14×18" - 10197451

8x12" - 10197448

14×14" - 10197450

Here's some more info from Sonor on their flagship

SQ2 series drums:

"We know our drums will be played by drummers all over the world in a wide variety of musical settings.

So we put all our expertise into making the best drums we can. It's just a personal thing.

Beech - German Beechwood offers a full, warm tone with evenly balanced lows, mids & highs.

Craviotto Private Reserve - 5x14 - AMBROSIA w/ NO INLAY - 45° EDGES - OIL FINISH

Ambrosia maple is a softer maple and it is unique in terms of the grain on each drum. This species is home to a small beetle that actually creates very small holes in the shell, and the excrement from the beetle creates the various striations in the grain. Superb sounding solid maple Cravioto shell and each drum is virtually unique due to the way the striations are formed. $2200. Contact Steve at vintagedrums@aol.com or by text at 630-865-6849.