First answer: No

Second answer: Yes

Third answer: No, not in my opinion

Also, it's not a Super Classic configuration. A Super Classic would have a 22" bass drum, a 13 tom and a 16 floor tom. The one in question has a 20" bass drum -making it a collectibly less desirable "unnamed" configuration.

It's still a great kit and will hold it's resale value. It may even gain value over time. Since you have an eye for vintage, go ahead and buy it and PLAY IT.Clapping Happy2

I have to agree with O-Lugs this kit with shipping is almost $1300.00 way over priced for a kit that's not original, the center post mount on the bass drum will and does have an adverse effect on this kit resale and value wise, keep looking this one Isn't worth the asking price!

So the Super Classic has the bigger bass drum, didn't even notice that one nice call.

I just can't get over the fact that this kit has the double tom mount, it doesn't feel right but I would be more inclined to "overlook" it if the modification was done at the factory.

I've been reading this forum for the last couple weeks almost non-stop to gain as much knowledge as possible before taking the plunge on a vintage kit and must say you guys know your stuff - I've learned a ton.

There's one thing that still puzzles me on pricing for a late 1960's kit in original condition. I know there isn't a magical number that I should be considering because there are many variables with condition, hardware and desirability.

It seems that every kit I come across that spikes my interest is in the $1200 to $1500 dollar range with the occasional kit nearing $2000.

When I read through the forum about pricing it seems the informed members think you should be able to get a 3 piece kit for $800 - $1000 in really good condition.

Maybe all the eBay and Craigslist kits I've seen so far are overpriced?

First off, a disclaimer: Even though many of the posters on this forum are very knowledgeable, they are opinions, and are totally subject to error.

I agree with O-lugs about this, with the possible exception of the statement that it is a non-named set, because you could order a Super Classic set from the factory and specify a smaller bass drum, but that does still detract from the value, and with the additional detraction of the added post tom mount, that he states he added later answering the question, but states it was factory in the description, is a bit disingenuous.

Value would be utility value. So I agree, just play them, because they should be played, and they're really a cool set of drums. They're just overpriced. Keep looking and you could find a similar set for the $600 range and both buyer and seller would be happy with that transaction.

About your question of pricing, that set would be an ok deal if it just had the rail mount and not drilled. That's the collectible value of it, but most of the people who haunt the VDF have a slightly different idea of what constitutes a great deal, because many of them may buy it locally and turn it, and the market is very wide ranging pricewise, from a $30 thriftstore find to the Pooder Ebay $2000 price.

You're probably still very new at hunting for the set you want. You may have to get a set that isn't presented as well as these that you like. The reason why they are priced so high is because you're looking at sets sold by retailers, on eBay or otherwise. Even Craigslist pricing can be high and again they're ambitious about what they should get. Luckily gaining knowledge about asking prices can be cheaply had. So just take your time, and maybe a deal will come your way. If you're impatient and have some money, though, then don't worry about it as much, and just figure out the drums you want and get them from one of these auctions. There's nothing wrong with that at all.

Here's several auctions many of which have a lower starting price, and may or may not sell as high as you're saying they sell for. I've PM'd you with what I consider to be the best deal on eBay right now.

That being said I just looked up Ludwig drums on eBay and there are deals to be had for those who know where to look. Time spent on VDF can be well-spent, but you might consider watching the market more thoroughly, and if you do see a deal--a really good deal--be careful about talking about it here, because there are plenty of lurkers who will buy it before you do if you seek advice and it does turn out to be a really good deal.

Well, to be honest, this (pricing/valuation) is a BIG point of contention.

This forum is comprised of people just like yourself, who start out seeking just one answer to just one question and then having that innocent beginning turn into years of research....so be forewarned! heh heh Burger Kin

Seriously, my observation is this:

Vintage drums are obviously not made anymore, which makes them a finite commodity in the world of drums. Vintage drums that left the factory as a complete matched set of drums that go on to survive the ravages of time (modifications, sunlight, gigging, cigarettes, etc.) in good condition are even more finite. Sometimes, a set is found tucked away in the upstairs crate of an old building that used to be a music store...or whatever and is in absolutely perfect condition. However....

...more often than not, kits get drilled, dropped, scratched, front heads taken off, parts lost, sun faded. even then, they are still in the category of finite. And they are still very desirable! There are several reasons for this, I suppose, but it's just a simple fact that drummers want that vintage "thing" -whatever it is....sound, mojo, nostalgia... As time goes on and the "perfect" sets get snapped up, the availability filters down to the kits that have been messed with - like the one in question. Those kits will still be of interest as "players' kits", because they will likely have the good sound (barring any bearing edge modifications), but they will be of much less interest in terms of collectibility. And, of course, there are all kinds of convoluted exceptions to those "rules", too. So, hold on! Burger Kin

As far as "not feeling right"....The double tom mount would have never been added at the factory alongside a rail consolette. The double tom mounts in 1965 were only used on a few configurations. You can check the Vintage Drum Guide catalog pages to see that for yourself. And, just off the top of my head, I don't think any configuration with a 20" bass drum came with a double tom mount. I believe they were all 22" bass drums....but I'll check, myself on that!

We were posting at the same time, Pounder! LOL! ;)

The Hollywood

The Gold Coast

....were the only configurations that I could see in the 1964 catalog pages that came (factory) with the mounting BRACKET that could be used for a double tom mount. (The Gold Coast had the bracket, but it was used for the upper section of a snare drum stand). So, really, the Hollywood was the only configuration that came from the factory with a bass drum mounted bracket for a double tom...and it came with a 22" bass drum!

Yes, it's true that anyone could order a smaller bass drum...and I'm sure several people did do that. But, if I was going to buy a first vintage kit and consider any kind of investment potential for possible reselling later on down the line, then I wouldn't take that gamble -because it's a lot more likely that the pieces didn't leave the factory that way and were put together later by someone else, in my opinion.