Kit #2 all the way! I'm a Ludwig guy and like the Hollywood set up. I also agree that it would be worth more that the kit that's missing badges.

Throw any Acro or Supra with it and you are good to go!!!

Those badges are more than likely not missing, Slingerland did not put badges or vents on toms for a year or two.

Ah my bad! As you can see I'm more familiar with Ludwigs - so my choice stays the same! :D

Thanks to all of you for taking the time to provide your input. I do appreciate it. Based on what you've posted, it's seems like you're pretty equally divided on the subject, as am I. I wish that getting both actually was an option, as suggested by vintagemore2000 (Mark) but, unfortunately, it's not. Perhaps the fact that I can't seem to make a definitive choice between the two speaks for itself. From a personal standpoint, they both have their positive and negative aspects. In regard to the Slingerland kit, I flat out LOVE their BDP wrap. To me (with my one good eye), their BDP doesn't look as dark as the BDP wraps offered by the other U.S. manufacturers of the time. I also like the fact that the matching BDP snare would be included in the sale. I also prefer the "one-up" configuration and the fact that all the original "goodies" come with the kit that I mentioned in my original post.. I guess I'm a sucker for those old trap cases, too (lol). At the same time, I've never been a fan of the company's two-bolt rail consolette. It never seemed secure enough for my liking. Those push-button floor tom leg mounts can also be a pain in the behind. I guess that, from a re-sale standpoint, the Ludwigs would be the wiser choice. I think that the hardware on that kit is also definitely superior to that on the Slingerland kit. I also like the fact that the kit is a "born together" kit, not one comprised of a bunch of "orphans". Unfortunately (for me), the company's silver sparkle wrap has never been one of my favorites. I must say, though, that it looked pretty good on Mr. Morello's kit. Now, if I could play like him, the wrap wouldn't be any type of "issue", would it? Perhaps I should abstain from any purchase at this time and just take a nice relaxing week-end vacation somewhere. That would certainly be the easy way out (lol)!

While I already stated my preference (the Slingerlands) I would add this. It could also depend on the condition of the wrap on the Ludwigs. Silver sparkle can look very nice or it can have that yellowed "ginger-aled" look that's not nearly as attractive.

As to the possible issues with the Slingerlands: the badges aren't missing, the drums just date to the time period when toms didn't have badges. The rail can be tricky to use but if you replace the upright portion with a new ratchet (Ludwig) style one from Maxwell it makes things work quite a bit better than the old "telephone dial" type ever did. To me the real advantage in the Slingies is the added stuff like the matching snare (if I bought the Ludwig set I'd immediately start searching for a matching Jazz Festival, which likely wouldn't be cheap) and the cymbals.

I don't know, just my opinion but a Silver sparkle Hollywood just doesn't ramp up my taste buds the way a BDP early 60's Slingerland 4 banger does. If it were some other wrap it might be a different story. I do like Silver Sparkle (I have two round badge kits in that color) but in this instance it seems like vanilla vs. Cookies n' Cream.

And Im sure you know those push button floor tom leg mounts can be replaced with Steve Maxwells repop mounts without modification to the shell. I bought a set for my kit, they are 25.00 each but you can pay that or more for used ones. I too like the matching snare!

Enjoy the vacation,lol

I'm a die-hard Ludwig guy, but... the Slingy's sound like the better kit/deal.

John

Both sound good..

If yr going to see in person, ( not shipping )...

Then go Chech them out...tell the seller you want to Play them for 15mins..

After playing, take the heads off, check the edges, wrap, shell, etc..

Then go visit the other kit...

After playing, inspecting both kits...

You'l be able to make a logical choice...

It's like car shopping.....

Enjoy yrself & have fun...

>> "Unfortunately (for me), the company's silver sparkle wrap has never been one of my favorites."

There you go. The MoJo sitting behind my complete Slingerland kit with stands, cymbals, throne etc... is off the chart, all bits will always stay together. Sounds like others have provided great solutions to any hardware concerns. Just got a Krupa HH and it is great.

Curious, how much goes into the vacation fund? :-)

Creighton

I would jump on the Slingerlands because of the snare and all the bits. Sounds like a sexier kit than the Ludwig.