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Spend Now or Spend Later? Last viewed: 2 hours ago

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So, you've been seriously thinking about picking up another vintage kit but you've got limited funds and have been restricted to choosing one of the following four options. Which one would it be?

1. A 1971 Ludwig Standard kit, 22/13/16, in original gold mist wrap in pristine condition @ $450.00, with the only "issue" being the missing tom mount;

2. A 60s-era Rogers kit with Dayton labels, 20/12/13/16, in original champagne sparkle wrap and very solid condition @$600.00, with the following issues:

-- For some reason the script badges face inward when mounted;

-- The bass drum has an earlier-dated double-tom mount; and

-- One of the rack tom arms would need to be replaced.

3. A 60s Ludwig Downbeat kit, 20/12/14, in original gold sparkle wrap that would need a serious cleaning and polishing @ $700.00, with the following issues:

-- Interior shell damage to the bass drum;

-- Rusted and corroded rims (both toms) and floor tom legs;

-- A small number of missing parts (i.e., lugs, claws, rods, etc.);

-- Heavily rusted smaller components (rods, washers);

-- Torn or missing bass drum hoop inlays; and

-- Missing heads on toms and beater side of bass drum.

OR

4. Hang onto my limited funds in the hope that I'd find a better deal on a vintage kit at the upcoming Chicago drum show.

What say you?

Posted on 9 years ago
#1
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Prices seem reasonable for all of them. A lot would depend on the music you plan to be playing, but that aside, I'd probably take the Rogers. I'd purchase a single tom arm, set aside the 12 tom and use it as a 20,13,16 set-up. I wouldn't sell off any of the components you get with the Rogers though, because it appears to have either been a factory left-handed set-up or one in which someone wanted the 12 to be a higher pitch set between the lower pitches of the 13 and 16.

Posted on 9 years ago
#2
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Or buy a mint condition MIJ kit.Keep on Pl Of the three you mentioned, I would buy the Rogers.

Posted on 9 years ago
#3
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I have always been an advocate of saving your money until you have the funds for that vintage kit you really want. Then spend your hard earned money on a no apologies/ no issues kit

They are out there. An example.... That Rogers kit you mentioned... For a couple hundred more, you could have had a very nice Cleveland era kit with none of the issues of the aforementioned kit, in the configuration you desired and from a reputable seller.

Posted on 9 years ago
#4
Posts: 5550 Threads: 576
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I would buy the downbeat as its 3 x the value restored or more

April 2nd 1969 scarfed pink champagne holly wood and 65/66 downbeat snare, and , supra same year very minty kit old pies
66/67 downbeat with canister
Super 400 small round knob
1967 super classic obp





once the brass ceases to glitter, and the drum looses its luster, and the stage remains dark, all you have left is the timbre of family.
Posted on 9 years ago
#5
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If you play and never worry...buy the Rogers,..sounds like a good investment..

However, the best return would be the Luddys with the 20/14/12 setup..

Although it needs some loving...for a start up of $700 ..it'll be worth $1500 any day of the week when you need to sell. & youl always be able to sell those...!

Bop iT / Til U Drop iT.

ROGER's
1964 Cleveland,.18/14/12 in WMP
1966 Cleveland, 20/14/12 O'natural.
Fullerton,...20/16/13/12 Silver Glass

WFL
1957 B/R Super Classics In WMP

Snares..
Wood & COB Powertones,
Wood & COB Dynasonics,
57 Jazz Festival

Zildjian avedis cymbals.
40s/60s era.
Posted on 9 years ago
#6
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With limited funds, I would go with the 3 piece Ludwig standard. Great price, great shells, best condition (from what you mentioned) and you will no doubt get your money back if you sell.

Posted on 9 years ago
#7
Posts: 1880 Threads: 292
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Without sounding like a pun, the downbeat in a heartbeat ;) Such a great kit that needs some love to be brought to it's former glory. Solid future investment..

Posted on 9 years ago
#8
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The Ludwig Standard gets my vote for best kit for your limited funds. Finding a "Mist" finish that hasn't faded or darkened is rare. Next, the shells are from the Classic line, so you know they will sound good. Might be tough to find the Standard tom holder, but they do show up from time to time on eBay, or one of our members is hoarding one and might be coaxed to let it go!!

I love Rogers drums, but I would want a kit that is the way it needs to be from the start.

The Downbeat kit will just take too much of your time and funds to get it to the condition of the Standard kit.

That's my take on this! Let us know your decision.

-Mark

Posted on 9 years ago
#9
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If that's the Rack tom mount to attach it to the BD I would go with the standard. Who needs a Tom mount when a decent snare stand will do the trick. Maybe one day a mount will show up but sounds like its ready to go and its pristine.

The Rogers is second for me. Again you could just set the Rack Tom up on a stand, but as it was pointed out if you're that keen on a Rogers just wait and save up some more for a pristine example.

The DB is waiting for an avid restorer to rescue it. If that's not your bag don't do it.

Good luck.

40's Slingerland Radio King WMP
60's Ludwig Downbeat Silver Spark
70's Ludwig Super Classic White Marine
60's Gretsch RB Champaigne Spark
70's Rogers Big R Black
90's Sonor Hilite (Red maple)
00's DW Collectors Broken Glass
00's DW Jazz Series Tangerine Glass
10's DW Collectors (Acrylic) Matt Black Wrap
10's PDP Concept Wood Hoop kit (Maple)
Proud ambassador of the British Drum Company
Posted on 9 years ago
#10
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