I agree with O-Lugs, that is the most vintage-conservation-minded approach to selling an outfit.

Some cat with deep enough pockets would be happy with her.

Looking at it on that basis I come up with a value of $4,500 but as you point out that isn't likely to happen. So, if market value is in reality less than half the new value, a buyer would be getting arguably a better than new sound if not perfectly new in appearance. That sounds like a compelling tradeoff and buy for someone in the market for this type kit. Thanks for your slant on this.

Well, everyone sees these things in a slightly different way, but I honestly never understood how a new kit that was supposedly built to reflect the "legacy" of the original (vintage) Ludwig sound/look/vibe, could ever end up costing so much more than an actual, all-original vintage Ludwig kit. I just never understood it. So, what it all boils down to is that, when an all-original, well-kept, CLEAN kit comes along, it should be given the highest status. What should be more valuable: a diamond-shaped piece of glass?....or a real diamond?:2Cents:

Nice kit! DROOLEye Ball

I agree and if the market was efficient maybe there would be less of a spread between new and like-new vintage.

i agree when it comes to the vintage market when a hot item comes up for sale if its rare and clean it gets the big bucks if its dirty and rusty and water,fade abuse or just old and not put in a museum environment all of those years its very low dollar and parting it out is great for the high dollar items but you'd sit on the lesser items id sell as a set complete like if you'd go in a store to buy it

good luck