The orphan shell idea is cool until you start looking at 14x14 floortoms. I commonly see 14's going for STUPID money.

How much would a new ludwig legacy 14x14 cost? Might be a better deal.

Not in UK, but here you go...

http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/msg/3721307475.html

kit looks cool! Id make an offer for sure! It looks great and I'd pay probably 700 bucks for it

You should consider a Sonor set. They are as good as any English drums and probably better then most.

Everyone has their own thoughts on a re-wrapped kit. The bottom line is how YOU feel about it. True, there are more kits available in the US, but we're talking about a kit that's close to you, which you've found. Shipping and other duties from the US will cost ALLOT!

Let's not forget about the value of the 14x14 floor tom. If you like the kit and prefer one that is ready-to-go, make a reasonable offer for it and see what happens. The kit appears to have been done very well.

I do agree that the opening price is high, but that's why the seller has provided a "best offer" link. Start some communications with him and see what happens.

Good luck to you!

Mark

Thanks again guys......have been in touch with the seller and will go and have a look. I figure it's getting the price vs convenience balance right. Then I found this........http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ludwig-drum-set-20-12-14-pre-serial-number/271183440667?_trksid=p2045573.m2042&_trkparms=aid%3D111000%26algo%3DREC.CURRENT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D27%26meid%3D6820476843381467574%26pid%3D100033%26prg%3D1011%26rk%3D1%26sd%3D271183440667%26

!!!!!!!

Bearing in mind my previous dilemma does anyone have an idea of a ceiling price on these http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ludwig-drum-set-20-12-14-pre-serial-number-/271183440667?

......just trying to do the shipping+duty calculation??!!! Thanks, Alex

What am I, chopped liver???

See post #4!!!

There was a buy it now set at $1500US which might be a little high, but in the ballpark. Plus what, $300US shipped or so?

I don't know if you'll find a Downbeat kit in the UK for that.

Apologies for the lack of credit my fault entirely and thanks for the heads up!!!

I think it'll be around $250 shipping so just have to calculate duty/import etc.....plus I reckon an original condition kit for the same money as a rewrap is a much better buy. Still can't work out why we have to pay duty on second hand stuff???!!!

Again....sorry!!:o

Just kidding, really. Glad you found it.

The only thing I'm not certain of is if pre-serial drums were mahogany interior ply. I thought they might be maple. There's also the whole 4 spur thing. Not sure what that's about. Wait for an expert to chime in.

All told, if you really can't find a Downbeat over there, I'd say $1500-$1600US shipped for this one, assuming all's correct, would be a good deal.

They're nice drums!!!

Good luck.

Aaron