I dont know anything about those, but my reaction would be to keep your clubbies. You dont see them in blue oyster very often (at least I dont) and your sizes are better.

mark, GMS are great drums keller shells.tThese look to be the grand master series top of the line. I guess it depends what sound your looking for. http://gmsdrums.com/drums/kits/grand-master/#!prettyPhoto[rb_custom_gallery]/1/

As a lover of vintage drums, my vote goes to the Luddies, fer sure.

Hugh

If you have other vintage kits to play, and could use a nice & punchy rock kit, this looks like a killer kit. 8 ply maple, very advanced mounting system for max tone and probably a hella lot a sound...in pretty champagne sparkle. I love my vintage kits, but have a great time playing my friend's awesome sounding Pork Pie drums, which seem to have a similar shell construction to these.

good luck with your decision,

Brian

GMS makes really nice drums and, I am sure I will get crucified here for saying it, but I imagine their build quality is far superior to the Ludwig kit. Let's just be honest for a minute. Why do you think Ludwig painted white interiors or granitone interiors? Same reason that trim carpenters ask if you are going to stain your trim or paint it prior to quoting a job. Ludwig could have created the same sonic qualities with a clear finish, but it woukd have required more attention to detail in the manufacturing process and a higher grade of wood for the interior ply. As an added bonus you get an additional drum in the GMS kit. 10" toms are cool.

The downsides to trading are, as mentioned, the sizes of the first two toms are a little deep for my taste anyway, the clubbies are in an unusual and attractive finish, and there is that unquantifiable "vintage-ness" to the Ludwig kit.

I don't think you could go wrong either way.

I would like to have a "dilemma" like yours! LoLoLoLo

This is a win-win situation, whatever you choose, you win!

Good Luck, and let Us know...

Keep the Club Dates. Theres a reason why the guy is willing to trade even up...he thinks the Club Dates are worth more and he's right.

Absolutely agree.....I wouldn't do the trade.

Nevin

Look at it this way....

You have a 1968 Dodge charger with thé 383 magnum...all original.

He has thé 2010 Charger with thé new hemi....

After driving both around thé roads & hwy...his handles better...and maybe has a better stéréo...but what does yours have that his doesnt..?

Beside thé rock solid resale value...mmmmmm.?

And He wants to trade ..? Or do you..?

:-P