gn86:
I had the opportunity to view this kit in person here in Michigan long before the infamouis p00der2 purchased it and then offered it on e-Bay for what seems like FOREVER.
I could have bought it for $500 with a Rogers Dyna-Sonic snare but decided against it. There were simply too many "issues" with it, both cosmetically and functionally. :(
The Ploughman is correct (as usual) in that the shells didn't originally come in that "natural" finish. There was DEFINITELY some sort of wrap originally on the shells which was stripped off. The shells were than stained. Whoever did the staining did a horrific job. Certain areas of the shells look much darker than others and the application was extremely uneven with stain actually running down the shells in different areas. In addition to that, there are different shades of stain on the three drums -- They don't match at all when viewed in person.
The interior shells were also painted black and were in very rough condition and the bearing edges were in terrible shape. As you can see in the pics, the asking price doesn't include one of the wooden hoops or head for the bass drum and the bottom rim and head for the floor tom.
As also stated by The Ploughman, the bass drum center mount was not original to this kit and is for a double rack tom while only one rack tom is included in this sale.
When I viewed the kit, the swiv-o-matic "arms" for the double rack toms were present. p00der2 must have either sold them separately or simply removed them from the mount.
You are correct in that the kit does have a "raw look to it." However, in this case, for the price being asked, I don't believe that's a good thing!
Just my two cents worth!