Look for cracks or bubbles in the wrap (which I don't think you'll find). Look for cracked collets or otherwise "loose" connections between drums and mounts. Look for rough bearing edges. But the pictures indicate a well-kept set of drums, imo.In all honesty, this looks like a very nice set of drums with the added bonus of having a beautiful patina to the WMP wrap. Only time can provide that kind of patina that is so particular for WMP. Drum collectors and enthusiasts LOVE it! Many feel it looks better than the stark white of the unfaded examples. I, for one, don't gravitate towards the WMP stuff, but when I do, I prefer the patina examples.Some vintage colors don't fade at all. Others fade really easily (Psychedelic Red. Mod Orange, green sparkle, etc.) unless they are completely kept in the dark. And when those fade, they don't look as good, imo. The green sparkles almost always fade in blotches. The Psych Reds take on a 'patriotic' vibe when the greens fade to white. Mod Orange is MUCH more vibrant with the purples left intact...and so on. But WMP that has yellowed like those Rogers in the pictures is a good thing, imo.I certainly wouldn't feel bad about peeling off 1250 for a set of drums like that if I was in the market for a Rogers Swivo kit.
+1 Everything the man just said.
O, I just bought a set of very early 60's Ludwig SBP's that have faded to a uniform charcoal grey. The pattern in the wrap is still bright/crisp, but the blue has almost completely gone. It's not bad though! I love the "Gray Pearl" finish better than the blue. Occasionally, as is the case with this Rogers kit, some drums age -beautifully- ending up better looking than it did when new. It's all individual aesthetics. What looks great to one, doesn't look so hot to another. There is no right or wrong about it, taste is just a reflection of the nature of the beast. To each his/her own.
John
