I disagree somewhat with my good friend Blair. Some drum sets were ordered originally with different configurations than those that were most common. For example, I have a 1963 Leedy Black Diamond Pearl set that meets all the criteria for the designation of Museum quality. The set has always had the configuration of 14x20, 9x13, 16x16, and 5.5x14 Shelly Manne matching snare drum. Most four piece drum sets from this period would have an 8x12 tom and either 14x14 or 16x16 tom. Another odd ball configuration that I own is a 1963 Walberg and Auge set. Of course, W&A is consistent in their inconsistency. This Gold Glass Glitter set with Gretsch lugs and rims consists of 14x22, 9x13, and 16(deep)x14(diameter), and 5x14 Champagne Sparkle snare that is a close match to the faded Gold Glitter drums. I'm pretty certain the bass and toms came together from W&A because they bear the same hand written dates inside the shells with the ubiquitous RGB monogram of the builder. I will once again state my opinion from many years of experience of buying new drums in the 60's and 70's. The drum sets in catalog pictures are not difinitive of what was sold in stores in Chicago or ordered by individuals through those same stores.

I have some slingy pink oysters, and the finish is very different from those, maybe not as shiny, and a little less bright, but the same pattern.

If you decided to sell a floor tom, LET ME KNOW!! need one to compete kit.

I think I am going to put them on ebay this week. Other than the 14x14, i'm not really sure what these are worth.

If anyone is interested in any of these drums they are now up on ebay with no reserve. Thanks.

Seen those. Seems a damn shame how youve done it.

Trust me it wasn't an easy decision. I am all for preserving original factory kits but after thinking about it, I agree with Blair. If the circumstances were different (factory original matching kit) then I would not be listing them separately. In any case, interested parties can still make offers on all or some of the drums if they wish.

It actually kind of pains me to sell these drums, but such is life...

ALSO

I have come to the conclusion that the snare drum is a Tower model based on the strainer and the fact that it has 8 lugs (serial tag missing). I'm no Rogers expert, though.

I think you will get less of a return on the drums as orphans then if you would have sold them as a complete set. It also is sad to see an original set destroyed in the pursuit of a just a few extra dollars.

Other than the fact that the drums are all Pink Strata and I got them all at the same time, I don't see definitive proof that this was a factory original kit. Furthermore, these came from the Philadelphia area and were likely purchased at the Music City store in my opinion (based on a few "Music City" drum heads on the kit). Others have mentioned that this store was the Rogers hot spot in the 60's in the Philly area. Who's to say that this kit wasn't pieced together individually by the store, compiled over several different orders from Rogers? (consider the odd size combination, the random serial numbers, the Tower model snare, the mislabeled serial/model tag) As a consultant for Rogers, Ellis Tollin (the owner) likely had many special orders coming in.

Of course, I can only speculate and don't know the actual truth. This is just a theory I conjured up, but I don't really see it being all that unlikely. I am very interested in hearing more about the Rogers serial number system. I haven't found much information on dating according to serial number, or if that is even possible with Rogers drums. I watch a lot of drums sell on ebay and I wouldn't be surprised if the odd size combo (for the closest color matched 4 piece 22,14,14,13) was a turn off for many potential bidders.

Are there other examples of factory original strata finish Rogers kits with dye lot variation?

I don't think it matters one iota what this mook or that mook or any other mook says. They're your drums to do with as you please. You owe no one an explanation or appeal for validation. If you decide to sell the lugs for a buck and give away the shells, that's your biz.

Does it bother me to see a (potential) vintage kit parted/orphaned out? Maybe ... ... ... ... ...

Good luck on your auctions.

I agree with Mr. Sling, they are yours to do as you please! If anyone wanted them as a "whole" they could have bought them while they had a chance!