How about I switch focus to a single question. If this is in a fact a period correct Mahogany cortex 70's four piece drum set, is it worth $500? I would hate to be on the wrong end of losing a sucker bet.

If that's an original Cortex kit, with no extra holes, no major scuffs or scratches, not a lot of pitting, etc, then that price is a great deal. Those clear interior 3-plies are considered the best by many, & the walnut wrap is probably one of the more popular cortex ones. If you need a nice drumset, there it is.......marko

That sure looks like cortex (formica) to me. It has a sheen that contact paper lacks. I doubt it is a rewrap as that is a hard material to work with and most people attempting a rewrap would opt for something easier to use. The mixed spurs is a real oddity especially if neither side has extra holes from having had a matched set of spurs at some point. Maybe someone could have special ordered it that way but lord knows why.

Kevin. agreed !

Ok. So I have tentatively set up an appointment to meet the seller tomorrow. I will be driving around 3.5 hours so I wanted to get some "Ludwig expert" commentary on this. Here is what I know:

The set consists of four drums with the three ply shells (Maple/Poplar Mahogany) finished with Mahogany cortex wrap. These drums all have the maple re-enforcement rings. 14x22 bass, 8x12 rack, 9x13 rack and 16x16 floor tom. Three of these drums have the pointy blue olive badges with serial numbers in the 1,500,000 range. One drum (the 8x12) has the rounded blue olive badge with a serial number in the 2,000,000 range. The mufflers have been removed from all of the drums. The wrap looks great with a couple of typical scuffs and dings here and there. Same with the chrome and hardware. The tom mount is intact and functioning. The snare drum that comes with this kit is a late 90's Yamaha stage custom in a dark stain finish that does not match the wrap of the Ludwig drums (it looks close but does not match according to the seller). One of the bass drum legs is period correct and the other looks to be one from the late 60's. The insides of the drums look to be in flawless condition. Clear maple. No granitone. He is asking $599 and we have agreed in principal to a price of $500. He does have other interest which is why I am willing to drive three+ hours to get these tomorrow. Is there any advice to give regarding things that I may have missed. I have checked ebay's sold items list and they sell for much more than this assuming they are actually what they appear to be. Am I missing anything? Would you guys do it?

You must really love these to make that drive. Not sure I would do it. I would also suggest refusing the Yamaha snare and asking a little less, considering you have to pay for gas to travel and get it. Or flip it and make a few bucks. I love your passion though :)

Ok. One vote for no. I have to admit that I am looking forward to the drive. I'm off work, the wife has given her blessing (we all know how important that is) and I have several cd's lined up to jam. Remember cd's? I'm less concerned about travel and gas as I am about if these are the real deal. The snare really has no value so I would prefer getting it for $500 as opposed to not getting it and paying $460 or so. I've actually read good things about these snares although they really aren't worth much.

Cool! Good luck.. the drive and anticipation leading up to a score can be half the fun sometimes! I wouldn't be too concerned about this kit being an orphan re-wrap job, as I don't know where you would find that wrap other than in the 1970s! But none the less pay attention to the wrap seems and the badges.

Alex

Score is 1-1

It's fun getting our kicks via someone's else's money ain't it? To buy or not to buy. No matter how the vote turns out we all know you're going on the road trip. Should be fun. Keep us updated? Pics!