Kit #1: Grover

(20-10-12-14, 14 sn.)

Grover is a high-end orchestral percussion maker that also makes drum kits. This 1997 kit sounds amazing.

Kick (20x16): 10-ply maple plus an outer veneer of Italian birdseye. Bass Plate on bottom (removable) so the pedal does not need to attach to the hoop; this protects the hoop and improves the drum's sound. Batter head is a 2-ply coated Aquarian with an 8" moleskin dot added. Front head is a Remo Fiberskyn Ambassador with a 5" hole. Also included is the original black Grover Pro Percussion head. The shell has two small holes for a DW bracket that holds a cymbal L-arm (included with purchase of kit), so you can mount your ride cymbal on the shell, and carry one less stand to gigs.

Toms (10x10, 12x8, 14x14): The 10 and 12 were rarely used at the same time, because of their different depths, but they sound great together, too. The 10-14-20 setup is great for modern styles of music, with more amplified instruments; the 12-14-20 setup is perfect for jazz and acoustic gigs. 8-ply maple shells plus an outer veneer of Italian birdseye. This is 22-year-old maple, and its sound has aged beautifully. All toms have new Remo coated Ambassadors, top and bottom. RIMS mounts (no drilling) on all.

Snare (14x5.5): This 10-ply (plus outer Italian birdseye veneer) snare drum has excellent bearing edges and a great combination of "crack" and body. 20-strand German steel snare wires.

Kit #2: Mayer Bros. 24-10-13-16

Big sound; pure tone. 8-ply Maple shells. Silver sparkle wrap. Gauger alloy RIMS.

Kick (24x14): Aquarian Super-10 batter head, with most of the felt removed, for an open sound. Evans EQ kick pillow inside. Prototype Bass Plate on bottom (removable), so the pedal does not attach to the hoop; this gives the drum its fullest sound, and keep the hoop mint condition. Front head replacement will be provided; the white logo head is not for sale.

Toms (10x7, 13x9, 16x13): Two-ply coated Aquarian heads on all batter sides; 13 and 16 have coated Evans G1s on the bottoms; 10 has a clear Aquarian on bottom. These three drums may be set up as a small kit (with the 16 as the kick).

(Snare sold separately.)

Snare #1: Mayer Bros. aluminum 14x6.5

3mm aluminum shell. BMW midnight-blue finish. Aluminum lugs. Steel hoops.

Powerful, clear sound. Precise articulation. Shell by Trick Drums in Chicago; it's the same shell used on the Craviotto "Solitaire" snare drum, which sells for $1000. Heavy-duty soft case. German steel 20-strand snares (note: two of the strands came off). Trick strainer.

Snare #2: Leedy 14x10

Circa late-1950s. Mahogany-poplar. Nickel-over-brass hoops. 42-strand snares.

Thick, warm sound. Loud buzz rolls. Rimshot sound has a clean "pop" sound. Bearing edges have been re-cut (in the original, vintage style), so the drum sounds very articulate and resonant. Great for drum set and orchestral work.

Snare #3: Mayer Bros. maple 14x5.5

8-ply maple shell with clear gloss lacquer. Chrome-over-brass tube lugs.

Organic tone with lots of cut and character. This is an early-2000s, original badge, Mayer Bros. Drums snare drum. It's got flawless bearing edges and snare beds, 20-strand German steel wires, and a soft case. Single-ply coated Aquarian on top, Evans 300 bottom. Trick strainer.

Snare #4: George Way 15x8

Big, fat, vintage sound!

Beautifully aged wood (probably mahogany) with the original bearing edges in excellent shape. The strainer is original, but the lever has been refurbished by a machinist. If those eight lugs look like DW lugs, that's because DW acquired that design later; it was originally G.Way's design. Puresound 15" snare wires. Steel hoops. Evans G1 top; Remo Ambassador snare-side bottom. This sounds like the old Tom Petty recordings when you put a wallet on top, and it has a great second-line/New Orleans marching sound when unmuffled. It makes a great ballad snare. The expansive 15" head is ideal for brushes, too.