Auction Name: 2025 December 5 Vintage Guitars and Musical Instruments Signature® Auction

Lot Number: 85187

Shortcut to Lot: HA.com/7407*85187

Steve Smith's Journey 1980 Sonor Phonic Drum Set.
This Sonor Phonic drum set is one of the most historically important kits in the legacy of classic rock. Personally owned and used by Steve Smith, this set was his primary kit from 1980 through the late 1980s and was featured on multiple iconic Journey albums - including Dream After Dream (1980), Escape (1981), and Frontiers (1983). These records contain some of Journey's most enduring hits like "Don't Stop Believin'," "Open Arms," and "Separate Ways," all tracked on this very kit. Steve also used it to record the first three Vital Information albums, as well as on projects with Tom Coster, Tony MacAlpine, Jeff Berlin, and other legendary musicians. The kit was brought back into use in 2015 for Steve's studio preparation for Journey tours (2016-2019) and is prominently featured in his From the Practice Room YouTube series (2020-2021). This set doesn't just offer vintage Sonor craftsmanship - it carries the sound and spirit of a critical era in modern drumming. With provenance, signed memorabilia, and rare cymbals included, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for collectors and fans alike.

1980 Sonor Phonic 10-piece drum set was originally ordered and used by Steve Smith for Journey's Departure tour. Featuring 9-ply beechwood shells finished in natural oak veneer, this set was custom-ordered in a wide range of sizes to match Smith's evolving playing style. The kit includes:

(2) 24" x 14" bass drums

(1) 20" x 14" bass drum

Rack toms: 8" x 8", 10" x 8", 12" x 8", 13" x 8"

Floor toms: 14" x 14", 16" x 16", 18" x 16"

(No snare drum included)

All drums are original Sonor Phonic series. Internal mufflers have been removed, and two 24" bass drums have been drilled for internal microphone mounts. The 8″ and 10″ toms have visible lifting and bubbling in the oak veneer. The 8″, 10″, and 12″ toms have scratches on their badges, and the 12″ tom shows some minor snare rash. Despite these cosmetic flaws, the set remains in excellent structural and playable condition.

Accessories Included:

Full set of Zildjian cymbals used on Journey's Trial by Fire album:
 • 20" Zildjian Rock Ride
 • (2) 18" Zildjian Medium Thin Crashes
 • 13" Zildjian Hi-Hats
  (All cymbals signed by Steve Smith)

Collection of signed Journey and Vital Information albums and CDs

Custom "Steve Smith" logo bass drum heads

Signed and framed Journey-era headshot

Certificate of Authenticity signed by Steve Smith.
All signatures authenticated by PSA/DNA and Beckett Authentication Services.
No case included. Condition: Very Good.


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