As you can see from the pics, it needs a little "clean up" work. I'm currently researching the best method to get the rust spots off the chrome (steel wool, coke w/ aluminum foil, etc.).

Thanks again for the help!! I would like to know what I'm working with, and whether these are worth the effort or not!

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I'm no Pearl expert, but I'd say an Export kit from the early '80s is about right for that. If it's just the kick and two rack toms--no floor tom, snare, or other hardware--it's only about $75-125 worth of gear in my neck of the woods.

Thanks for the reply....

It's got all 5 drums (including the floor tom and snare), but the snare must be made by someone different (no logo on it). It also has the 3 cymbals in the package (all look original). 2 of the 3 cymbals are Zildjian, and the other is missing.

I'd pass on those!

Any ideas why? Bad drums, or the rust I'd need to remove?

One of the tom mounting arms is cracked,and has to be replaced also.Zildjian has more than just a few lines,and models so exactly which ones they are is important because the difference can run in the hundreds of dollars.Just as the difference in dfferent models of Pearl drums.I agree that you have the Forum model there.They are constructed mainly of Luan wood which is verticly grained,and used is entry level drums.

If you can get them cheap say for 50 to 120 at the most you'll be doing ok.Those lugs look like the type used on the earlier drums.Pearl is estimated to have sold over a million of those kits.They can sound good,with good heads,proper tuning,and good bearing edges.You will no doubt have to replace most if not all the heads,and put a lot of work into cleaning up those drums..hence the low price quote..Coke and aluminum foil does the job on chrome very well.

Steve B

What is your budget, dealertim?

I too would say hold out and keep a looking, you can find better. Try Mapex. One nice way for rust is soaking in Vinegar. Not too long though. Best of luck and again, hold out for something better. I di and I ended up with a set of Vintage Ludwigs for what you want to pay for those.

PASS ON THESE. I bought a kit like identical to this. Same lugs, black everything. I had no idea it was from the 80's though. Anyway onto sound part. I heard some bad drums before, these on the other hand are the worst ever. I got the 2 rack toms to sound okayish and the floor tom I cannot get tuned in to produce a good sound no matter what heads I tried. I took the head off my wfl floor tom and that has a really good tone, sounds soooo different on this kit. Just pass it isn't worth having in your house.