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

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

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.

Another stunningly beautiful solid Cypress drum. 6x14 with 45 degree edges. This one has our unique “toasted/oil” finish that enhances the existing grain. Cypress is known for its percussive attack and brighter sound, and quicker decay. A wonderful drum!! $2500. Contact Steve at vintagedrums@aol.com  or by text at 630-865-6849

Another stunning curly maple Craviotto Private Reserve snare with our medium burnt/ebonized finish that truly brings out the grain. Fabulous solid maple Craviotto shell versatility and a stunning drum. $2600. Contact Steve at vintagedrums@aol.com or by text at 630-865-6849

Talk about grain! Look at the curly maple on this shell! And, our “light ebonizing” process brings that grain out spectacularly. Gorgeous drum with the fantastic and versatile sound of a solid maple shell with 45 degree edges. $2600. Contact Steve by text at 630-865-6849 or by email at vintagedrums@aol.com

A stunningly beautiful drum with our Hybrid edge which is rounded at the outside and 45 at the top towards the inside. This takes some overtones out, while the 45 portion keeps the tuning range, projection and sensitivity at the maximum. The burnt oil finish brings out the grain even more spectacularly. Cypress is known for its percussive attack and brighter sound, and quicker decay. A wonderful drum!! $2400. Contact Steve at vintagedrums@aol.com or by text at 630-865-6849

This set is incredible and has a wonderful provenance. The video below will give you all the details. The wonderful thing about this set is that it was used by Joe for the 25th anniversary of the original Brubeck quartet. YouTube has a posted video of 19 minutes taken from that concert. The concert is also available on CD. The set includes the 9x13, 16x16, 14x22 silver sparkle Ludwig “Mach 4” series drums, as well as a 60s era silver sparkle canister throne of Joes, and the 5

Here is a reprint of a series I did for Modern Drummer many years ago. Enjoy! Steve Papa Jo Jones was the epitome of "swing", from his very early days with the Count Basie band in the 30s, right up until he passed in 1985. His style, grace, and his incredibly 'musical" approach to drumming inspired people like Buddy Rich, Louie Bellson, Max Roach, Kenny Clarke, and so many more. His technical skills were quite substantial, but he never let that get in the way of the music. Wi

Special website price: $2700 plus shipping. Contact Steve by text at 630-865-6849 or email at vintagedrums@aol.com Here’s a very clean set of Gretsch USA 80’s Square Badge drums! These are sized 14x20”, 8x12”, and 14x14 with a match 5x14” snare drum - Progressive Jazz, finished in its original walnut lacquer! These drums are in excellent condition inside and out. great interiors and bearing edges, super clean chrome, smoothly functional techware, and no tone controls - perf

Gretsch Brooklyn drums have seen a sharp increase for 2026. This Antique Oyster 8x12, 14x14, 14x20, 5x14 was priced at $3049 in 2025, but if ordered new today would be $4543, that’s an increase of $1494. The set we have here was a store demo and it can be yours for $2600 plus shipping. That is a saving of $1943 if you ordered it new today. Contact Steve by text at 630-865-6849  or email at vintagedrums@aol.com . Here is a word from Gretsch on their Brooklyn series: "Brooklyn,

Gretsch Brooklyn drums have seen a sharp increase for 2026. This 12/16/22 was priced at $2771 in 2025, but if ordered new today would be $3930, that’s an increase of $1159. The set we have here was a store demo and it can be yours for $2200 plus shipping. That is a saving of $1660 if you ordered it new today. Contact Steve by text at 630-865-6849  or email at vintagedrums@aol.com . Antique Oyster 8x12, 16x16, 14x22 with tom holder. Here is a word from Gretsch on their Brook