So, you've been seriously thinking about picking up another vintage kit but you've got limited funds and have been restricted to choosing one of the following four options. Which one would it be?
1. A 1971 Ludwig Standard kit, 22/13/16, in original gold mist wrap in pristine condition @ $450.00, with the only "issue" being the missing tom mount;
2. A 60s-era Rogers kit with Dayton labels, 20/12/13/16, in original champagne sparkle wrap and very solid condition @$600.00, with the following issues:
-- For some reason the script badges face inward when mounted;
-- The bass drum has an earlier-dated double-tom mount; and
-- One of the rack tom arms would need to be replaced.
3. A 60s Ludwig Downbeat kit, 20/12/14, in original gold sparkle wrap that would need a serious cleaning and polishing @ $700.00, with the following issues:
-- Interior shell damage to the bass drum;
-- Rusted and corroded rims (both toms) and floor tom legs;
-- A small number of missing parts (i.e., lugs, claws, rods, etc.);
-- Heavily rusted smaller components (rods, washers);
-- Torn or missing bass drum hoop inlays; and
-- Missing heads on toms and beater side of bass drum.
OR
4. Hang onto my limited funds in the hope that I'd find a better deal on a vintage kit at the upcoming Chicago drum show.
What say you?
Bop iT / Til U Drop iT.
