How bad do you want them? As cool as they look to be, I don't know that I'd be buying them, mainly with the shipping and import issues. But let the others give a more informed opinion...

Hi - thanks for the fast reply.

I just emailed her to say I'm still interested but I would have to look at that after the shipping quote.

I'm thinking the drums are worth at least $2000 but that might be stretching it in todays economy. It's not that I want them that bad I just thought they're so cool and it would be a lot of fun cleaning them up (not too much = gently) and putting new heads on them. I'd love to sit behind them in the drum room - play them and think about where they've been and the whole history vibe you know. They appear to be in good shape.

You never know. I've got to look at reality thought and I know you don't always win when you gamble. That's one of the reasons I like to come on here and get a lot of opinions just like yours - and then I can at least make an educated decision. The members here have a ton of experience - it's a very good Forum.

Would you see you kicking yourself a year later if you dont buy them? If so, then figure out how get the kit. I zagged when I should've zigged on a stainless steel Rolex Daytona and could've made a 2000% profit!!!! That's something I lose sleep over...

Gary worth is in the eye of the beholder many times, this is one of those times. to answer your question NO!! they will be a money pit. as you know I'm the one that posted this link on the other forum. with the snare drum not original with extra holes. single tension bass drum and tacked bottom heads on the toms, the resale market for this particular kit is real small. Are they worth it to you? only you can answer that? sorry to answer your question with a question.Cooked Egg

Ya - I see those kind of deals regularly here - the kind you could probably make money on. I just have to be disiplined about it all. The MAIN reason I'm looking at these is they're Gretsch drum. They're not the end-all Gretsch drums for me that's for sure, but they do look nice and look like a fun project. However, I know very little about the worth of them. I do know a little about the worth of 50's era Name Band and Cadillac Green and Gretsch Gladstone drums......I'm reading about them a lot lately. But these particular drums - they seem like a bargain if they were a 'pick-up' - I just don't know if they're a bargain after shipping/customs/new heads etc.

So.....please keep the comments coming - I'm interested in what you folks have to say.

Good perspective.

Have you considered having them shipped by Greyhound bus to Blaine or Bellingham, WA-- then making the drive down to pick them up? I think it would be no more than $200. I just shipped a 28" bass drum in a heavy-duty injection-mold case with a bunch of random hardware, extra hoops, etc. from Syracuse to Seattle via Greyhound for $75.

If I was going to have them shipped to the USA I'd go CANAMER shipping in Blaine Wa. I've used them before with great results. That is probably what I'd do. But it still leaves crossing the boarder with the drums. Usually not a problem but sometimes they ding ya good - it seems to be hit-n- miss with them....I know the rules but man sometimes there is no rhyme or reason.

my concern with greyhound is the ride in the hold is not the best and stuff gets banged around a lot