It sounds like Slingerlands blue. The wrap can be quite dark.

Without pics and such, it would be shooting in the dark for price. Usually, 800 for that config would be a bit high, but that statement is meaningless without photos to substantiate it.

Considering the matching snare drum and included hardware, I'd say that it's probably a fair deal. As stated, pictures would be very helpful in determining their worth.

I agree with the advice posted before mine. Condition and completeness of each of the drums can make as much as a $300-$400 difference for the drums. $800 would be at the high end of the scale. Also, a layer of removeable dirt can mask a hidden gem. Most music stores are really guitar shops that might have some drums that they know almost nothing about. That dark purplish blue is the two sided wrap that Sligerland used at around the date inside the snare drum. It is a deep red with a hint of maroon on the other side. A matching eight lug snare drum provides more collector's value to the drum set instead of what I refer to a Ernie, the generic chrome plated snare drum.

The good thing about Slingerland parts is that they are pretty plentiful and affordable for vintage drums. If the pitting really bothers you, just replace pitted parts over time with non pitted parts.

However, it sounds like a players kit. Clean it up, polish what's there to the best of your ability, and play it. The sound is what matters most. The price sounds high. Get it for $500-600, and put $150-200 into new heads, chrome polish, and a spray bottle of Fantstic.

My suggestion is to make the offer of $500, and work him up no higher than $650. You should not have any qualms about insulting the owner even if he tells you that your offer is an insult. Think about it......His asking price is an insult to your sensibilities about the used item.

When you post the photos,make sure you take a few of the snare drum,and strainer.If that matching snare is a radio king.....then that would be a home run .

Steve B

The set looks old enough where it should have a solid maple snare......

also,bring a magnet,and make sure it DOES NOT stick to any of the metal hoops..........brass hoops if it doesn't stick...........

The snare is an artist model,and as has been said could be a single ply of steam bent maple,which makes it worth more than the 3 ply drums.

Steve B

I am assuming that the bumps are separation in the wrap from the shell, probably by or above the lugs? Won't affect the sound and probably hard to see from a distance but definitely a factor in price. I would think caused by tight heads and the drums sitting in a real hot environment like an attic in the summer. Just my two cents.