Drummer Cafe Community Forum

 Wow , the vintage percussion market is really taking off, a set of Valje bongo went for $860. on ebay yesterday.  What do you collect or watch?

In my younger days I always figured a guy only needed one set of drums, but having backups made good sense in case of rip offs or split skins. I never understood the collector mentality, particularly if the stuff is just so much furniture and does not get played.

Now that I'm older (with more money), I have started to collect, mostly because it pleases me to see finely crafted drums, but also because I know some will only increase in value. My house has become afro-cuban in decor, pretty much drums everywhere, mostly congas.  I would say I have really gone quite over board, I have given up trying to understand, it is just the way I am, crazy I guess.

I still only have one set of bongos though .... hmmm.

After gigs the first thing people ask me about is my bongos.They are Valje bought in the 60's. I have $2000 worth of  percussion set-up. People want to know about $165  (60's money) bongo's.  They are awsome and cut through a five piece bands volumn.  Never mic them but I'm always heard when I want to be.   Vallje  is quality and  wish I had the congas to match.  I traded them for a Saxophone in the 70's. I pesonally would never sell them .