The bass drum should have a badge. If not.. it might be a rewrap... that's ok though.. as long as they did a good job. Very nice kit.

The Slingerland should be worth more than the Mapex.... in my eyes and I'm sure in many others... depends what you are going for.

This may get long-winded, but here goes: Your Mapex shell pack (no hardware other than tom mount and FT legs) is about $1,700 brand-new. Considering yours are used, I'd say $1,000-1,200 tops if they're just a few years old and in great shape. A Mapex Saturn kit is really the only modern kit I wouldn't mind having now, American or otherwise. I've wanted one for a while, so I'm fairly familiar with their prices. I believe the Slingerland kit is worth about that much, if not more, right now. The thing is, in 10 years the Mapex will probably be worth half of what the Slingerland will be. So, I think you would be doing well if you took the trade.

Here are some things to look for. Considering the toms have no badges, they should have natural maple interiors, unless they are '63 or earlier. The hoops should be COB (chrome over brass) and you verify this by putting a magnet against the hoop. If the magnet falls off, they are brass - if it sticks, they're steel. Correct COB hoops aren't cheap, thus my mentioning. Also, verify that the batter side of the bass drum has the same claws and T-rods as the resonant, which are correct. Also, this may not matter much to you, but check to see if the tension rods are correct. I'll attach a picture - notice the square head with a rounded top and the half moon-looking extrusions at the bottom just above the thick, squared base. Also notice the slightly thicker piece of the rod just below the base of the head. They should probably be the same length as mine - 2 3/8" overall, 2" from end to base of head, and 1" of threads. Also, the BD spurs and brackets should look like these: http://www.ebay.com/itm/1970s-Slingerland-Bass-Drum-Spur-Legs-and-Mounts-Pair-Left-Right-Chrome-Lugs-/200763875525?pt=Vintgae_Drums_Percussion&hash=item2ebe75a0c5. The wing screws may be different and the tip of the spur probably won't have the double cone thing going on, probably just a spike. The spurs should have the groove at the end for a C-clip, which may not be there...they tend to get lost. Also, make sure there are NO extra holes. I agree with deadhead that the wrap looks to be correct 1960s Slingerland black diamond pearl.

You may be asking yourself, "Why should I trade 6 drums for 3?" The answer is, the Slingerland will appreciate in value while the Mapex will depreciate. They won't sound like the Mapex kit, so make sure you like the tone before you do something you'll regret. They will sound good, though, so you'll probably be happy.

I hope this helps! If I can think of anything else, I'll post again.

Lynn

My dad's '62 Slingy 13" & 16" toms have no badge or air holes in them.

No holes or badges until '65...[COLOR="Blue"]EDIT: no holes/badges on toms until '65. Sorry for any confusion I may have caused.[/COLOR]

They only put badges on the snare and Bass drums pre 65 I

think. My 64 tom I rewraped had no badge or hole.

That's correct. I hope I didn't make anyone think that Slingerland didn't put badges on any drums until '65. Thanks for pointing that out. :)