1976/81 Premier Phil Collins Replica
1977c Premier Custom 717/D717 Elite Concert Tom
Phil Collins Replica Drum Set.
20” x 14” Elite Bass drum#
18” x 16” Elite Mounted tom
16” x 16” Elite Mounted tom
15” x 12” Elite mounted tom
14” x 10” Elite Mounted tom
13” x 9” Elite Mounted tom
12” x 8” Elite Mounted tom+
14" x 6.5" Ludwig Super-Sensitive Snare
10" & 12" Remo Roto-toms
Ludwig Speed King Pedal
Trilok & Lokfast stands*
As you may have already seen, I am incredibly fortunate to own a Pearl BLX Custom drum kit that belonged previously to Phil Collins that he used in 1982 and 1983.
While this kit did not belong to Phil, it is, to the best of my knowledge and memory, almost identical to Phil's legendary Premier 717 kit that he used in 1977, 1979, 1981 & part of 1982.
He also continued to record with the kit long after he had left Premier drums as it was the 717 that was used to create that legendary 'In The Air Tonight' drum barking tom sound.
In addition to the above drums, I also have the 24” x 14” Bass drum that came with the Premier 717D kit as well as 10” x 7” (Soundwave Pre-international size. 9.5” diameter) and an 8” x 6” (Soundwave) which Phil used in later years to replace the Remo Roto-Toms. Finally I do also have a matching period 14" x 14" Premier Elite floor tom.
+ My 12" x 8" is a Soundwave.
*I do also have the Slingerland Dynamo Hi-Hat and Premier stool that Phil uses (to this day), but they are not shown here.
#Phil Collins actually used a Gretsch bass drum on his 717 with a Premier reso head.
The kit was professional restored and by Jamie Corstorphine at The Drum Vault. http://www.thedrumvault.co.uk
If you have any questions about the kit or wish to express an interest in it, please contact me.
The 717 kit was one of Premier’s flagship “Elite” kits used by artists Such as Phil Collins and Keith Moon.
The unparalleled sound that was achieved from the concert toms was a blend of power and warmth and a fine and probably the best sound example is from Phil Collins on the Classic Air drumming track, “In the air tonight” where the power of the toms made musical history and a song that is known worldwide for the drum part alone.
The premier “Elite” Series of kits were top of the range during the late 1970’s and Early 80’s and at the time would set you back around about £1000 (the D717 would have cost around £1200 new in 1979)
The wood Premier used for the shells is 99% Mahogany with the extra toms are Birch with Beech reinforcing rings cut with 45 degree bearing edges.
The build quality is easy to see as even today they are still very much sought after kits for their looks and sound.
I have two configurations of the kit as Phil varied his between late 1976 and mid 1982. The kit set up shown below is how I recall the 1977 'Seconds Out' kit.
I believe that from my memories of those days that I also have close to what Phil was using cymbal wise in 1977, although not all are shown here.
If you have any questions about the kit or wish to express an interest in it, please contact me.
