For example:

That "chocolate malt" colored Gretsch bop kit you have...How much is it worth? And why is it worth what it is? I'm just trying to get a sense of the criteria involved for evaluating such rare items. Thanks

Well, Gretsch Bop Kits are just so extremely in demand, I have a waiting list for one, and get asked about them a couple of times each week. The last 2 I sold didn't even make it to my website. They go for a LOT of money! I bought a silver sparkle RB 18-12-14, no snare, last year on ebay for 9K. I snapped it up as soon as it was listed, and made some good money on it. I've been offered 15K for the brown kit! But, like Jazzettes, they must be perfect, no extra holes or problems, with a single rail mount. To find one in nice, factory condition is, in my experience, just as rare as finding a nice original Jazzette.

Jazzettes are very rare, and incredibly cool kits, but they have a small market of buyers, at least compared to Gretsch bop kits. To me they're as rare and desirable as Gretsch bop kits, and should be as valuable, but not to most buyers, the demand just isn't there. I think it has something to do with how deeply entrenched Gretsch is in jazz history.

Thanks, Bill. That's what I thought. And I totally understand that Ludwig is not as entrenched as Gretsch in regards to bop-kit era jazz.

I'm extremely glad to hear that those Gretsch kits fly out the door for lots of money.

It is my contention that someday the gap between Gretsch bop kits, Ludwig Jazzette kits AND Slingerland Jet kits will close....maybe not this time, but one day.

I apologize if this has already has been said,but a 67 thermogloss kit has to be one of the first ones ever made. In that condition, and reguardless of drum sizes,it has to be worth serious coin.

Steve B

As Bill points out, Gretsch was synonymous with bop jazz. The high value Gretsch bop kits command may have something to do with the Gretsch plant being located in Brooklyn. The dealers on the East Coast pushing Gretsch may have contributed to the popularity.

Art Blakey played his Gretsch kit there a lot as well as the other greats.

Chicago was a long way from the centre of jazz development but NYC and Gretsch were not. This may explain the enduring popularity and high price the Gretsch bop kits command. The jazzette may never reach the same level unfortunately.

=kellyj

"young & stupid"? Don't be so hard on yourself Ludwig Dude you can't even reach the pedals in that pic.

I must say, as always I completly agree with everything O-lugs has said here. I enjoy reading your thoughts on all things vintage drums and hold your opinions in the highest regard.

So who's going to bid on the jazzette?

Whelp a little over 4 hours left and no bids. I don't think it will sell right now. Not to say the kit isn't worth it, but I just don't think you are going to find that 1 person that really wants it on Ebay.

@mlvibes

Makes total sense. It is about supply and demand. With that said though how can there be a demand if there is no supply or not many collectors know about them? I can't help but wonder if there are some people out there looking for one of these kits in mint condition and are willing to pay that much for it. Anyway lets wait it out and see what happens!!

auction ended with no bids.

Yea I am not that all shocked. I don't think your gonna find the right buyer on ebay..maybe but the chances are little.

I'm not too shocked, either. Dang. That was a really, REALLY nice one. I hope it finds as good a home as the one it's coming from!