Sometimes you can find stuff at pawn shops but I have been really fortunate in my area on Craigs List. I have acquired two of my nicest vintage sets and some wonderful cymbals, and a great rare supraphonic here from CL. for peanuts. Being in South east Florida you get people from all over. Retirees who want to get rid of stuff, or people pass away and put things on CL. I just missed a vintage 5 piece Slingerland set on CL. Some girl bought it at a garage sell for $25 and sold it on CL for $50. It was gone like in minutes. I told her I would have given her a lot more than $50. Had the metal snare, 2 toms, floor tom, Bass and hardware. was a black lacquer set that looked like it just needed cleaning. Black Niles Badges. I also have a good friend of mine who is in charge of a large Goodwill store in Orlando and he calls me anytime a set comes in. Nothing worth having yet but good to have eyes in there just in case.
I'm always searching CL here in the Memphis area. Most of the time it's cheap stuff people want way to much for but I have gotten lucky with a Slingerland Hollywood Ace in mint condition and a few other Slingerlands that just needed a little love. It drives my wife nuts that I'm always taking a few minutes to check CL or convincing her to stop in an antique or thrift shop.
