I'm loving this article. When listening to old jazz recordings where trap kits like this were used, it's clear that there's sounds that would be difficult to reproduce with modern gear, particularly cymbals (all those hi-hat predecessors!). I'm amazed that the hardware held up. The way I play, I'm sure I'd destroy these kits in minutes.

Beautiful. I love the "low boys" which predated hi-hats. I should add a vintage kit to my app Drum Kit.

"Note the glowing bass drum: inside is a light bulb, which, aside from making the drum look really cool, served the practical purpose of keeping the bass drum heads heated, therefore tighter, therefore better sounding."

Surely heat would caused the head to expand?

Drier skins are tighter. This is before air conditioning and you could have lots of humid weather.

And the tension rings around the head will expand so it's a double win.

I wanna find some Chinese toms. Great stuff

Always nice to see the evolution of design.

Great article. I play a 60s Ludwig kit but never really dig earlier than that era or maybe the 50s.

Needs more cowbell!!!!

3 is not enough.