While I don't agree that ALL kits are works of art as some are just impersonally assembled to make a profit without an ounce of craftsmanship or love....some genuinely are works of art.Atop that mountain would be Andy and Deans, Guru drums,which look as beautiful as they sound,and are a true labor of love.True works of art.
I got my last Radio KIng snare at a yard sale.The seller said,"good thing you're buying it,or it would be on the curb tonight".Twenty bucks.We're talking a Slingerland 47 Super Gene Krupa Radio King in WMP,7x14,in easily a 8 of of 10 condition.I see stories all the time on drum forums,of people picking up drums out of the trash,at the curb,or in someones basement for a song that the seller just wants out.
I also teach CPR and First aid.I was giving a class at a local not for profit company,when I noticed a large box with some drums and cymbals in it.I didn't pay much attention,but when the class was over,the CEO,came over to thank me,and and said,hey Steve,don't you play drums?How about taking those off our hands,we're just going to toss em' out anyway.
So I check them out.CB 700,shells and hardware destroyed,.....but some late 60's A Zildjians...still in plastic bags,and not a stick mark on them.....14" hats.16/18/19 thin crashes and a 20" ride.I kept the cymbals,but took the box of drums to my car,and took them home,removed the wrap,and burned them in my fireplace.When a US flag becomes unserviceable,you're suppose to burn it in a dignified way....I figured...the same goes for drums.
This stuff usually happens when a child loses interest in an instrument,or a relative passes away,and the surviving family could care less about the true value of the instrument,and just wants it out of the house.A true shame,but then again,where would we drummers get our bargains?....
Steve B