Looked at a kit recently with the same business going on internally.
I've seen other drums internally similar but sound the way they should (i.e. not warped). If this is all that's going on & you're going to play it and keep it, and especially since you've been wanting one exactly like it, I think in the $900 would be fine (but bargain intelligently as far down as you can). But all I've seen is the inside of the BD. It is a Downbeat after all.
What color is the sparkle?
Looked at a kit recently with the same business going on internally. I've seen other drums internally similar but sound the way they should (i.e. not warped). If this is all that's going on & you're going to play it and keep it, and especially since you've been wanting one exactly like it, I think in the $900 would be fine (but bargain intelligently as far down as you can). But all I've seen is the inside of the BD. It is a Downbeat after all.What color is the sparkle?
It's a gold sparkle kit.
Gold sparkle. You're aware sparkles are the most common; but gold is not.
If it's essentially the bd internally (which I don't think can be repaired necessarily???; & is it such a big deal if it still resonates & hasn't gone all the way through affecting it externally) & nothing much else (except cleaning & polishing), & you've been lusting after one & FINALLY one's in your neck of the woods?
$900+. Again, note the repairs necessary, time cleaning it, etc., and hopefully there'll be a pleasant back and forth and finally a number BOTH of you are happy with.
I'd make sure all heads resonate as it kinda stinks when they don't. If they sing, perfect.
I'd love to see photos after you buy it. Good luck!
Chris
A lot would depend on if that bass drum is in round I think. If the hoop slides nicely around the drum then that would make me feel good about it.
If thats just the inner ply then good chance it has been like that for many years and will stay like that for many more. It would be a good idea to have someone help you glue those loose plys back down. I would be glad to help you out if you ship the drum to me, and Im talking free. you pay the shipping. So my answer is like the others, yes, buy it but really use that repair to lower his price. You have waited a long time for this kit, go for it, I will help you out.
So, you've been looking for an original '60s Ludwig kit in the Downbeat sizes (20/12/14) for some time when one shows up in the local area. You contact the seller and make the drive out to see it "up close and personal". The three pieces obviously need a good cleaning and polishing but you don't see any extra holes in any of the shells nor have any of the prior owners made any type of visible modifications. The kit's also in one of your favorite (original) sparkle wraps. Everything seems to be sound, both functionally and cosmetically speaking, until you take a close look at the interior shell of the bass drum. The two attached pics address that condition. Now, picture yourself being an "old geezer" with minimal to no repair skills, especially in this particular area. Would you still consider purchasing the kit, regardless of this condition? And, if so, where would you draw the line price-wise? Thanks in advance for any and all feedback.
It looks like the thin inner ply delaminated and cracked. I think it may actually be fixable to prevent it from getting any worse, but I do wonder if there is any damage to the ply below it. Does it look like it may be a result of moisture damage? I'm not suggesting you beg off if the price is right, but I am concerned about the log term viability of that shell if you do nothing to repair it.
Straight forward repair but time consuming. Correct tools, knowledge required. Done right would be very hard to tell ever was an issue. If still in round buy it and take Jeff up on his offer.
Will have a mighty fine kit on your hands. Hope you can work something out. Think $200 would be ballpark cost if paying for the repair.
Creighton
Thanks to all of you for your time, your input and your offers to assist me, should I end up purchasing this kit. I appreciate all of it.
If thats just the inner ply then good chance it has been like that for many years and will stay like that for many more. It would be a good idea to have someone help you glue those loose plys back down. I would be glad to help you out if you ship the drum to me, and Im talking free.
Jeff,
That's quite a generous offer. Hope OldSchool takes you up on it. It's guys like you that make this forum a community. Cool1
Mike
