Rogers Early '60s Drum Kit - Demo and Description
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- Опубліковано 14 січ 2023
- This 1962/63 Covington ERA Rogers drum kit sings for days. They are such a "vibey" set of drums built in the glory days of the American drum making industry. It was a period marked by innovation and a sense of pride in the workmanship. I hope you enjoy the tour on this vintage drum kit!
Stop the Cracking Pt. 1 - Bass drum Bread and Butter lug reinforcement
• Rogers bread & butter ...
Stop the Cracking Pt. 2 - Replacing original Bread and Butter lugs with the new repro version
• Replacing Rogers bread...
"Corrections and Additional Comments"
1-13-22 - None at this time
Wow, really well done and great playing, too. Been a Rogers nut most of my life and currently own quite a few. They were (IMHO) the best we ever produced in the U.S. Thanks for the video!
Thanks man! I appreciate the compliments. I have 6 kits, two of them Rogers and they are my two best sounding kits for sure. I only purchased them a couple years ago but I can see why there are so many passionate Rogers owners/players out there. Me being one!
Had a Dave Clark Londoner, Champagne Sparkle I bought new in '67, still have the receipt. If I knew exactly where it is I'd check, but I think the kit, Zildjians (14, 16, 20 (22?), throne cost 650ish, kit alone $477, I remember that number because it kept me going for 2 summers of baling hay, on three farms at 1.25 an hour. Definitely a Rogers guy although my first was a used Gretsch trap kit, probably from the '50's, for 150 bucks.
I have a Champagne Sparkle kit as well. Same year. Between this ine and that one, they are my two best sounding kits that I own now and have ever owned.
Phenomenally done brother... I expected absolutely nothing less.
Wonderful information offered accurately and succinctly.
Love it
Thanks man. You help on this was sooo appreciated! And your always so generous w your time!
Well done. I owned a mid 60s kit in blue pearl for a short time in high school in the 1980s. I sold it to a buddy, who then also sold it. Neither one of us knew what we had and we both regret losing that kit.
Yeah that’s a bummer. What did you end up replacing it with? In the 80s i had a Tama Imperial Star then a Super Star. Still have the superstar.
Back then, it would have been impossible to know. A few years ago, a friend of the family gave me a vintage Rogers Powertone snare drum. I had no idea about anything…..But now with the internet I now know it’s from 1965-66 and the F hand written inside indicates Frank Walters assembled it.
Got my ‘68 set. WMP didn’t last too long in smoke filled bars. Went through several variations before I had a woodworker do a better job on them. They are my main kit and still going strong. Changed tom mounts to Yamaha. An improved version of the Rogers concept, to my mind. This is the first time I’ve seen the new mount….in your video. Well done.
Great drums for sure! The new mounts work great. They’re streamline, light and well built. I’m sure you drums sounds awesome in the clubs. Thanks for sharing your story!
I just got a 60's Pearl Challenger Mahogany kit in blue sparkle like that and it has similar tom mounts, you can mount both rack tom to one central mount or mount each individual
I have never seen that mount but I’m not familiar with vintage Pearl drums and hardware. That kit sound pretty cool tho.
Thanks, bro! I have a 67 Holiday kit in red onyx. Been playing Rogers since 1971! Best drums in the world!
Agreed Skip. They sound like no other!
I owned a late 1960s vintage, blue sparkle Rogers Holiday set in my high school and college years (circa 1977-1986). Loved it, but alas, did not know what I had at the time! My mom ended donating the set when I left for the Army. What I would give to have it now! Exceptional kit!
Yeah that a real bummer Tito. I’ve never heard anyone tell me that they’ve gotten rid of a 60s Rogers kit and been happy about it. I have a late 60s kit also. It’s has larger size drums and it sounds incredible. If you’re still playing, you should consider picking one up.
@@eddieavakian Yep. Still playing, and definitely considering getting one!
Really great video please keep making them I learn so much!
Thank you Wendy. I appreciate you checking it out!
I have a 1968 rogers holiday kit in this same blue sparkle with the 12,13,14,16” Tom’s and 24” bass drum. Someone installed a Ludwig Tom mount at some point (incorrectly I may add) and unfortunately the finish on some of the shells have cracked. But, I have been slowly restoring and preserving as much of the original kit as possible and still play it daily. It’s such a great piece of drumming history and love to see other drummers appreciate the rogers kits! Very informative video as it answered a few questions I had about mine!
Hi Alexander. That’s a huge kit. I don’t think I’ve personally seen a 24 inch bass drum and that 14 inch floor tom is also rare. Those are selling for big dollars right now. My other Rogers kit is also late 60s w 22, 13 and 18. That 18 sounds huge. I have a video on that one as well if your interested. Good luck w the restoration and thanks for doing a part in keeping these incredible instruments in playing condition!
@@eddieavakian I’m trying to piece together the history of my kit, it’s possible it started life as a 3 or 4 piece kit originally and it was expanded later on which would explain the different Tom mount on the base drum. The more I learn, the more I’ll be happy to share.
@@alexanderwolf4388 sounds good Alexander. Are you on any of the Rogers Facebook groups? A couple of the guys on there know pretty much everything when it comes to vintage Rogers kits. Rogers Drums USA is a good one.
Beautiful Rogers! I just got a 68 dyna-sonic in blue sparkle. What a beautiful snare!
Thanks Jeff. It’s an incredible sounding kit and, as you know, the blue sparkle wrap is striking.
@eddieavakian yes it is!
Those drums sound incredible. Nice playing man. Loved the video!
Thank you so much. I appreciate you hanging out to watch the video. ✌️
Fab, very interesting and lovely drumming on a beautifully tuned kit.
Thank you Joe. I appreciate the feedback from you!
Thanks for the helpful information!
Really enjoyed this, nice job on the vid and that beautiful looking and sounding kit!!
Thank you Jerome! I appreciate it!
I very much enjoyed your videos on Rogers drums and Zildjian cymbal history, well done.
Thank you Paul! I really appreciate you reaching out and letting me know.
I’ve got a ‘73/‘74 Rogers kit that I bought used for a reasonable price and in spite of the fact I couldn’t afford new, all other well known brands, I love my Rogers drums forever and ever!
😃👉🏼🥁🍗 🥰
Crap those sizes are so rare! What a beautiful kit. Thanks for doing this 🙏 I’m going to go back and check out my shells now. Mine must be a later version. 22,13,16.
Thanks Glenn. The floor tom is very rare. Rogers didn’t make nearly as many 14” floor toms. I have a late 60s kit w 22.13.18 as well. I have a video on that one on my channel if you want to hear it. I’m sure you agree that Rogers vintage drums are incredible instruments.
Beautiful kit!!
Thank you!
Great vid Eddie.... Kit sounds super :-)
Thanks Glen! I love this kit.
Great history lesson video! Awesome work! 🙏🏻
Thank you Earl. I appreciate you being here!
@@eddieavakian Eddie, I love your in depth research and they are beautiful drums! Keep up the great work!
I miss my Rogers kit… I sold it to buy a set of Tama Imperial Star drums in the eighties. What a mistake! I was never able to get those early Tama drums to resonate like the Rogers. I wonder where my old kit is today.
Yeah in retrospect that was a bad trade. I got sucked into the Tama thing as well. My first kit was a Tama Imperial Star, late 70s. I liked it but didn’t know any better. I didn’t even know how to tune a drum back then. 😁.
Very good video. Thanks!
Thank you Ivan!
Another great video Eddie!
Thanks Bruce! I appreciate you brother
@@eddieavakian Same bro! Were all in this together. CHeers, Bruce
Well done Eddie. The B & B lug era of Rogers drums is starting to get more attention because of the their wonderful sound. I would be interested in a comparision of the sonic difference between the original drawn brass and new die cast reproductions. The weight increase is significant. Keep up the good work!
Thanks Po. I regret that I never recorded these drums before I did the swap. The difference is definitely significant. The floor tom has 8 per side, that’s almost a pound extra. I can’t imagine that won’t have an impact but I have zero complaints with how these drums sound. The tom sing at the softest tap. Incredible drums!
recently found a kit from this same era. Video helped identify it, thanks!
Nice. Hope you got it!
Eddie, thanks for the well done, and informative Roger's video. I've got a circa 1962 Black Mother-of-Pearl 4 piece Roger's kit, with original matching snare, and all bread & butter lugs. Too bad 'new and improved' lugs are not (currently) available by Roger's. I still gig with the kit, and those in the know marvel at the look, sound, and condition of my drums. If single-sided tom lugs ever come available, please let us know. Be well, Seagreen.
I was really hoping that they would come up w those lugs by now but they’re concentrating on their new drums. If your interested I did a video on how I used steel stick to reinforcement those lugs but if you don’t have any cracking and don’t over tighten you’ll probably be ok but those lugs are getting hard to find if you ever to replace one. I someone in Australia was making a repro version but I don’t think he is anymore. You can try and look into it.
Awesome! So great, thank you!:)
Thanks brother
I am and always have been a Ludwig guy. My drum teacher, and friend for many years, was a Roger's guy. I have a deep respect for Roger's. Whether Ludwig or Roger's, they both are a very large part of drum history.
My first pro level snare was a late 70s Ludwig Black Beauty. Still have it. You can’t go wrong with either of these brands and they both have a fascinating history.
@@eddieavakian lol, in ‘79 I bought a Ludwig super sensitive and used that drum for the next 20 years, then sold it. Big mistake.
@@williamfotiou7577 oh man that was keeper but I have some regrettable sales as well. FYI Mine was a super sensitive also. I did a video on it and it’s on my channel. It’s called Ludwig Black Beauty - the Evolution. I go thru the entire BB history from the 1920s to today.
Awrsome tone. Nice video.
Thank you Steven. I appreciate you checking out it out and the compliment
Great drums ! I'm a Ludwig man myself though. The only thing that bothers me about Rogers are those floor tom leg brackets that required a drum key to tighten them in.
I understand that criticism, but the truth for me is that I’m never taking these old drums on the road so I literally will never need to adjust them. I’ve owned quite a few vintage kits and my top two best sounding kits (for my ear) have both been Rogers. I do love Ludwig as well tho.
Wonderful description of the drums and the history. My first love was Slingerland, then Rogers, then Ludwig, and then on down until I now play Gretsch. I still love the vintage Rogers sound, as you have shown so well. Thank you for this!
Although the Dave Clark Five made the Rogers name famous, I hated the fact the Dave Clark "played" them. The drums sounded so much better than he made them sound and most of the time, Clark didn't actually play them - check the history of what a phony he was. He didn't deserve these drums.
Thanks again!
Thank you! I always liked Slingerland as well but never owned a kit. I have a 50s Gretsch that I’m also like very much.
I’m not familiar w the Dave Clark situation you mention but I will look it up. Thanks again!
Proud Rogers owner here, Dayton red onyx 20/12/13/16. One rack is always sitting out though 😂.
Very nice kit and great playing aswell!
Thank you so much! Rogers are great kits for sure. I have a late 60s champagne sparkle w two rack toms and I do the same! It’s either the 12 or 13 but never both.
I'm amazed at the hoops!
Yeah those tall hoops are cool. It makes you want to play on them and rim shot your toms. You can hear that I was definitely using them in the track.
@eddieavakian yeah I've never em like that. I can just imagine playing full smooth rolls as rim hits! very cool
where can I find a tom mounting bracket like that? (ultra magic)? thanks ULTRA MATIC!!!
Rogers Ultra Matic tom arm. Works great. About 60 US. Found it on Reverb. I highly recommend it.
ROGERS used to be called " the Cadillac of drums " Great drums.
They certainly are!
i remember neil peart also use a rogers mount for space management, in his tom set up
Nice Shervin! I did not know that. Thanks for the info!
I really enjoyed your video. I have a blue pearl set like the one shown in your video. My dad bought my set in 1968? One year later I bought another Tom Tom for double bass mount, also bought another bass drum. My snare is the dyna-sonic. Haven’t played in about 35ish years. Would like to possibly sell them. I’m down south in lower Alabama. If someone was interested leave comment. Thanks.
Thank for checking out the video and the information on your kit. 1968 is a great year for Rogers because it was one the last years in Covington Ohio. I know a lot of collectors and would be happy to run it by them and contact you if that’s of interest. Let me know. You would need to take pictures to include the interior tags.
Great video! The one problem I have with Rogers Drums is the tuning range. Rogers and Gretsch sound better in a higher Jazz tuning. Ludwigs can be tuned lower for Rock music. But Slingerland sound great both tuned high and low and that's why I play those. With Rogers to get a lower tuning you have to us bigger drums tuned low.
Hi Charlie. I haven’t tried tuning this kit down at all because it’s my jazz kit but I do have another Rogers that sounds incredible tuned low. As you point out, the drums sizes are larger. In case you want to check it out, I did a video on it. See link. I appreciate you sharing your opinion here. Thank you!
Rogers late 60's Champagne Sparkle Drums - history and sound file
ua-cam.com/video/2EJjmOVvNek/v-deo.html
Yes! I agree on all of this.
These drums sound amazing - plays cymbals for intro...
Another stellar video . I might have something u might want . I have 2 Rogers cymbal stands with the ball n socket swivel head that also has a groove in it on the backside of it from the opposite side 2 drum key size screws . they are in great shape n have no rubber feet . these are very unique i am not using them with my vintage slingerlands . If it something you need or want Im not greedy n very fair plus I like your videos
Thank you Louis! I personally don't collect or use vintage hardware but I have some friends who I am sure would LOVE those. If you're cool with it, let me know I can hook you guys up.
@@eddieavakian well Eddie thought some of those kits were yours . You know unless ur friend really wants them I guess it’s ok . But they came with the 1970 slingerlands n after watching your video I really like how they were made . If I did what would you think would b a fair price for both sides . I’ll decide then I probably should use them with the slingerlands
@@grecoboy69 all the kits in my videos are mine but I use DW hardware because as much as love vintage drums, I play them all and find newer hardware easier to manage. Not sure what the value is the stands are but I can find out. These Rogers guys are totally fair and are collecting them in order to preserve their history.
@@eddieavakian ok sounds good I’ll help them out . Yes Buddy loved a Forbidden Fibes snare . Guessin it was fiberglass but I’m gonna look . I’m pretty sure most of the time he slipped that in n Ludwig wasn’t happy . Another thing maybe u might want to do a video on is Buddy’s cymbals . They always looked brand new n better looking than any cymbal I’ve ever seen . Maybe there were cut different or whatever . Check it out bud cymbals we’re absolutely beautiful
@@grecoboy69 I’ve always heard that he played A Zildjian’s w an occasional K.
Great video my friend. Where can I date my kit?
Thank you so much! This link is to a google drive with a dating guide. Its not perfect but it's pretty accurate. Check your interior tads, If your tags have a cross out on the tags where the model type is, it's less likely this guide will be correct for that drum. drive.google.com/file/d/1BoSCHcmAZIlB6iO5x5zej8gneAIRU5I-/view?usp=drive_link
If you still need to help let me know.
enjoyed this vid and your one on the istanbul cymbals.i had been using gretsch kits for the past 40 years and one day hauled out my late 60s Roger's and rediscovered how great they sounded to the point of tracking down a bop kit from the early 70s.ok it's not the Cleveland stuff but they still sound great as does your kit.there is a certain character to the sound of these vintage drums you dont get from the new stuff long live vintage.
Thanks Mike. These old Rogers kits really sing and are so easy to make sound good. I did a video on a champagne sparkle kit (late 60s) as well. The sizes are bigger and I tuned it low. Between this one and that one, I have everything covered. I’m sure your early 70s kit sounds great. They made great kits beyond Cleveland!
On the question of the new Rogers gear, I can only say that I have a dyna sonic snare drum. While it sounds awesome, I’m having some issues w the snare wires intermittently engaging w the strainer off. I’ve fiddled it forever and can’t make it work correctly. I have not played any of the drum kits but the fit and finish look top notch and all the sound files I’ve heard are impressive. I’d consider one for a gigging kit.
Every once in a while the wires engage the head at the edge. If I loosen the rail a tiny amount to pull it further away, then the snares dont engage enough when the strainer is on. I’ve tried to find a balance but could make it work but no luck. I was able to solve it by putting a strip of gaff taper on the edge of the head on each side of the wires. Not ideal but it works now. The snare response is crazy good and the snare sounds incredible.
@@eddieavakian I wish I could b more help there so u dont have to go with the "alternative tech" solution.the rail isnt hitting the snare basket on the stand is it?I've got caught with that one.
@@mikemcclelland1729 thanks Mike. im cool w it. I’ve sat on the ground looking up at the wires while a friend hit the batter head micro analyzing where and how the wires are engaging and there doesn’t seem to be a solution. The rail looks straight and the wires also. I’m used to dealing w vintage gear mostly so it doesn’t bother me. As long as I get a great sounds from my drums, the nuances and bugs are just part of the deal.
Beautiful drums and I can vouch for the quality of Covington era Rogers drums, as I have Rogers 'Holiday' model drums circa 1965/1966: Two 8 x 12 toms, 9 x 13" tom, 2 x 20" basses, 16 x 16" floor tom all in 'steel grey ripple' finish; and a 5 x 14" COB Dynasonic snare drum circa about 1970 (Fullerton CA manufacture, script badge). Wonderfully made everything on Rogers drums from their 'golden era' was first-class. Anybody interested in further information about Rogers drums there is a book titled 'The Rogers Book' by Rob Cook. A treasure trove of information about Rogers. Nice playing those drums look and sound wonderful.
Thank you Thomas! You definitely have an awesome set of drums there. I agree that they’re so well made and have so much character. I have another one that’s a late 60s w larger sizes. 13, 18, 22. I made a video about that one also in case you want to see it. I appreciate you sharing your insights. Take care.
Yup yup!
Hi Neal. Thanks for watching
@@eddieavakian : you got it! Very informative and interesting video a lot of very complex subject. It’s the dates the devil is in the dates I guess anyway, take care keep the videos coming!
Do you know where I can buy a Cleveland Rogers set in blue sparkle wrap? 22, 16, (2) 13 inch rack Toms and a matching dynasonic wood snare. I hope you can help me out, I would really appreciate it jwm. 🥁
Hey JW. I’d recommend reaching out in the Rogers Drums USA facebook group. There are few guys in particular who know where all the Rogers drums are at. They are extremely honest and knowledgeable. It’s a private group so you will need to submit a request to join but I promise you they’ll get you squared away. I’ll tell you tho that the hard part will be the 22 kick. They’re out there but harder to find than a 20. If you don’t want to joint the group reach out to Po at Po’s percussion. He’s on FB, Reverb, etc. good luck. You’re wanting some great stuff and I hope you get it!
So, what makes these great? As opposed to “good”. Help me out. I think they’re cool and I’m trying to justify the price in my mind. Thanks.
Hi Michael, the price of these kits will vary substantially based on the condition. If you're looking at one that's collectors grade, you will obviously be paying a premium as you are competing with collectors who place added value on these kits for reasons of their own. A players grade kit, will be much cheaper and sound just as good. This hopefully addresses the price. I personally prefer to play an instrument with an interesting history in addition to sounding good. These drums, especially made during the Covington period, were made by hand in a family atmosphere and built with pride (flaws and all). This the collector in me talking. At that same time, the company made countless innovations which further demonstrates their passion for drum building. This may not matter to some, and so for those, the prices of the drums may not be worth it. But I will say, that I have a 6 great sounding drum kits: A&F, (Copper), Tama (80s Superstar), Gretsch (1950s), DW, and Rogers x 2, and my two best sounding kits are the two Rogers kits. They tune up so easily and require less processing to get them to the sound I want. I have a video on my channel of the other Rogers kit that I own, you if you want to check that one out as well. Totally different vibe. Bigger drums, tuned low. Thanks for checking the video.
A friend of mine had a , I believe, a 1972 Rodgers kit, with full cases. 2 floor, 4 Tom's, Bass and snare. He thought he lost them in a house fire, but the cases protected them. With heavy smoke damage, he completely dismantled , and restored them. I couldn't believe it. In addition, he had 2 concert, copper kettle drums and a 40 inch gong. He passed away an this complete kit is in his dad's shed.
Far out.Thankyou.
Thanks Joe! I appreciate you checking it out. Great set of drums for sure.
Don't know why it's on my feed but gey ready for subs!
Thanks Andy. Glad it got to you! I’m always looking to make better and better content. I appreciate you checking in with me!
@@eddieavakian indonlove drumming and drummers and of course watching them on UA-cam, so I'm glad to have found the channel
Great stuff!
Also includes all Z cymbals.
Nice video Eddie. My Dad bought me a barely used Rogers kit (black mother of pearl) back in 1968, which I still have, kept in excellent condition. My first band was The Ravens, recorded here with an old Concord tape recorder, with a single 1/4" plug in mic. ua-cam.com/video/cNIzfcAkNOc/v-deo.html I still take the kit out on occasional gigs, and the sound engineers love it. The tom lugs were all replaced with hole-matching non-drawn brass. It isn't the B&B's, but close enough, especially since I didn't have to drill new holes. Keep up the good work. Love my Rogers.
That’s fantastic! I love that old tape also. Can I ask what lugs you were able to find that line up w the old BB lugs? I have two 60s Rogers kits, this one and a late 60s w larger sizes. Those sound great also but totally different. Thanks for hanging out David. I appreciate it.
I was waiting, Patiently, for the Dancing-Harem to come-out, To do the, Classic, Jeannie-Dance, To that Awesome-Beat, In her Nylon-Feet. See, On UA-cam : I dream of Jeannie - Stereo #2.
Haha. I used to love that show. I don’t recall that episode but I’ll have to go back and check it out. Thanks for checking in John
Do you think they are better then the Camco's?
I’ve never played a Camco. But it’s interesting you asked me this because I’ve been recently looking for one. I can’t believe how expensive they are. There are a lot less of them out there so I’m sure that’s a big reason why. As soon as I pick one up, I’ll for sure make a video with it.
Thanks for the feedback on the comparison! I know Camco's are almost the holy grail of drums! I've always wanted a nice kit of Rodgers,they're beautifully sounding drums! I think one reason is in the earlier days that they were so well built and great bearing edges but also in a era when there was pride in what was built and also with quality!@@eddieavakian
Hey Eddie, Have you had chance to evaluate the new Rogers Powertone Limited Edition Drum Sets?
I have not been able to sit down and play any of the new Rogers kits. The Cleveland, the Covington, the Powertone and now the Tower. They sound fantastic in all the reviews I’ve seen and the quality standard looks very high. I do have a new dyna sonic snare and it’s made very well.
Rogers and Camco were hardware companies. They did not make shells.
True about the shells but I’d disagree on the characterization that they weren’t drum companies. They assembled all the drums, cut their own bearing edges, engineered throws off and snare systems, designed lugs and kit configurations, finish options and eventually had shells made to their specs. Gretsch used shells made by the same wood companies and they yet they sound very different.
I did a camco video as well. Not sure if you saw that one Brian.
I'd rather listen without the noise in the background. Demo sound later. Too distracting.
Thanks for the feedback. I’m always changing my formats and It helps to hear from people on ways to improve or change for future videos.
Thanks for the vid .
You’re very welcomed. Thanks for checking it out!
I'm 64 years old and still have my full set that I built starting in 1967 and completed in 1973. Blue sparkle bass, floor tom, and double toms with a chrome snare. All heads are original but most of my stands are Ludwig because Roger's seem to have supply issues in the 60s.
I love these drums!!!
Sounds amazing Steve! These 60s Rogers drums are very special drums indeed. If you ever post a clip please send me a link. I’d love to hear and see them.