So, I called the store back and bought the red set for $583 with sales tax. I'll be mailing out a postal money order Monday, and they will hold the drums until I can return to get them.

I found the Slingerland serial number chart and it appears they're from '68-69.

The plan is to sell the 8x12, both cymbal stands and the Set-O-Matic T tom holder to Kevin, which will probably net me some nice $$. I also have a few other pieces of drum stuff to sell, including a stripped Ludwig Jazz Festival shell and some hardware. Between all that, I might come close to covering the cost of the set.

Good going, Bob. The low Slingerland selling prices vis a vis Ludwig, Rogers, Camco, and Gretsch bodes well for those of us who prefer Slingerland drums to those other brands. The same holds true for the Leedy and Walberg & Auge drums that are my other favorites.

You're right. I just wonder why Slingerland drums are so low on the totem pole of collectability. I like Leedy also.

There's a W&A set for sale around here in CL that's been priced dropped a couple of times. If you go to NYC Craigslist, you can find them. The wrap is red Ludwig Standard series, the hardware is Rogers, and the shells are Gretsch, I think. They're pretty nice looking. I emailed the seller and he's "motivated," so you could get a great deal.

I've wondered about Slingerland drum prices over the years. The initial thought is that it's a matter of supply and demand. A lot of Slingerland drums were made. But that is true of Ludwig too, and maybe even more so. So why are Slingerlands priced below the same se-up in Ludwigs?

Overall DrumBob, it seems you made a good purchase. Some of the MIJ's are drawing that kind of money.

Dan, I think it's partly due to the fact that rock drummers overwhelmingly chose Ludwig drums back in the 60's and 70's, which might be traced back to the Ringo factor. Lots of other rock drummers of note were Ludwig players at that time as well, including Ginger Baker, Charlie Watts, Carmine Appice, and many, many others. I think some of it is about perception as well. Slingerland and Gretsch were most likely perceived as jazz drums, while Ludwig and Rogers were rock drums. One of my band mates who's a guitarist and amateur drummer thinks Ludwig drums were louder and made specifically for rock music. I can't say that's true, but that may be a general perception.

If black/brass badge then bass and rack toms '67, floor tom '68 (added later, not uncommon). Please post pictures when you can.

Thanks. I think this might be a case of Slingerland using up old badges well after they should have been used. I have a feeling the set came complete with the floor tom, as the wrap matches perfectly.

Well, things have changed. I decided to pass on the red Slingerland set in the end. I had a $625 car repair yesterday, which didn't help much. I called the store and explained my situation.

We are headed back to this area sometime in the next month or so. If the drums are still there, I'll reconsider the purchase.