Jim Gordon has Passed On...

Hi guys, new to the group here. I’ve always been a big fan of Gordon, and about 7 or 8 years ago, I found a Camco Oaklawn in 24,12,13,16 sizes. Sizes that Jim had used at least at some point. This kit was modified to include a Yamaha tom mount and bass spurs, so it is very functional and was a dream come true for me.  It is in natural finish like Jim’s. 
 

Since the 24” Oaklawn bass drums are apparently very rare, I’ve often wondered if there might be any connection back to Jim himself. I guess I may never know, but either way, and incredible set of drums and a real piece of drumming history!

@bdp24

Amazing story and what a kit! I read some articles with Jim and in one of his interviews, he alluded to using a 24 and a 22. So I’m guessing that he actually owned multiple Camco sets with both a 24 and a 22. I’m a big fan of his playing and I consider him one of the great drummers. I came to learn about his playing a little later on, and I was sort of on the lookout for something like it when mine showed up.  I rarely see the 24” Oaklawns appear. So you have some rare kits. Seems to be easier to find 24s of the LA era. 

My “Jim” style Camco is perfect for the Delaney and Bonnie or Derrick and the Dominoes vibe. I’m not a recording guy, just a hobbyist who enjoys playing and gigs here and there. But it would be amazing in the studio I’m certain. 
 

I have a collection of other American vintage kits as well. Just stuff I’ve found over time, and had the chance to play nearly all of them on a gig at one time or another. I can’t figure out how to post pics here, otherwise I’d show some. 60s Ludwigs, Gretsch, Rogers blue onyx 20,12,14 (the 14s are raw as hen’s teeth). 
 

One of the Ludwigs is a 60s silver sparkle super classic (all original), and have the extra 16” tom for the Mitch Mitchell thing. 

Yes, I’m a big fan of Mitch myself! I have the 60s lm400 as well. 
And a variety of vintage A and K Zildjians.

I should have clarified, my Camcos are the darker wood finish (walnut?), and look just like the ones on the Derek and the Dominos footage. 

@bdp24 

When you got Jim’s old kit, were there any Zildjians laying up there? Always wondered if he used a mix of A’s and K’s. Guessing mainly Avedis. I’m a major cymbal fan as well. :) 

^ 

That sounds right, with Jim using Avedis most likely. 
 

I have some vintage K Zildjians (the old Turkish ones) and a bunch old A’s (50s to 60s). I have a sweet 20” old K with a few rivets that sounds like Elvin. I have a 22” around 2400 grams. I’ve used the 20” more as a rivet crash-ride. The 22 is costly so I tend to be reluctant to bring it out as much. I have some 15” old K hats which are cool, and the top cymbal is slightly undersized. 
 

But when I play jazz, I actually use a different set. I use a thin 24” old A, a 22” Spizzichino and a K Con Zildjian. 

Here is my 22” old K in action. Done with an old iPhone. Courtesy of my basement. 
 

https://youtu.be/Pq51_qWL8Eg?feature=shared