Richard wondered if the kit might have been made in the Far East, so we asked German drum expert Fritz Steger for the lowdown. He tells us that, although the Swinger was a budget series, “the shells were the same 6-ply beech used on Sonor’s expensive lines.

“The set was a reaction to Japanese drum sets, but was definitely assembled in Germany. The lugs were provided by Rimmel Drums from Kempten (in Bavaria), but were made under their supervision in Taiwan.

“The bass drum hoops also came from Rimmel. They were made on the same machines that Rimmel made wheel rims on for the bicycle industry, just turned the other way round!”

Richard is happy though. “I’ve always enjoyed playing the kit, and members of the audience often comment that it’s a nice looking ‘Beatles kit’. Little do they know it’s never been to the clubs of Liverpool or, despite its German origins, even Hamburg.”