Jim Gordon has Passed On...

Here’s what a 24" (by 14" deep) kick with 13 x 9 and 16 x 16 toms looks like. The (southpaw) drummer is playing a set of early-70’s Slingerland drums (love the dual set of bass drums spurs, standard on 24" Slingerlands), with a 14 x 6-1/2"  chrome-over-brass Ludwig snare drum. Bonham’s first Ludwig set with a 24 was finished in green sparkle, and he always played a 14 x 6-1/2" metal (or amber Vistalite) Ludwig snare drum.

https://youtu.be/idUFG9RPswg?si=GRpNVxZcrFg0IXj8

For you fans of instrumental bands, this drummer replaced the band’s former drummer (Pete Curry), who left to join Los Straitjackets (but on bass, not drums).

@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. :) 

@atlantadrumguy:

The new owner of the building didn’t list any cymbals, and didn’t mention any when I picked up the drums. Gordon sure had some good sounding ones; I think I read he played A. Zildjians.

Have you had any Turkish Zildjians K’s? A lot of the BeBop Jazz guys played them in the 1950’s and 60’s. I bought a couple, but the ones I got didn’t sound so good. The Turkish K’s were completely hand made (in huts with dirt floors), and vary wildly in sound quality.

I have a bunch of the current (USA) K’s, which I like a lot. And I have a bunch of the original Paiste 601’s (1960’s and 70’s), including a coupla Flat Rides (18" and 20") and pairs of Sound Edge hi-hats (14"). I have a 20" Bosphorus Traditional ride cymbal, which is Turkish K-like (Bosphorus are made in Turkey). Very thin, so you can crash it as well as ride. It makes a great "click" when played with the tip of the stick, which I love.