Nice kit. A little inflated, imo...but you'll always pay a bit more when buying through a store. If you really like the kit, and can live with the price, I say go for it. Also, you could offer a hundred below, cash...wouldn't hurt. Worse that can happen is they say no, then go ahead and pay asking.

Good luck.

Just keep in mind the SNARE IS NOT INCLUDED even though it is prominently displayed and mentioned in the text:

"14" x 5" Snare w/new cords, snares, top hoop, and Evans G1 heads"

This could be why this selling is getting some bad vibes.

Seller, that is, not selling. Hurting

DrumBob,

Kindly post a picture of your Leedy blue sparkle. Not enough of those seen around these parts.

Dan...Sure. Next time I gig them and the lighting is good. In the dark, they look black!

Hi DrumBob!

Since your asking for thoughts on this kit, I'm going to give mine; deduct $300 and they MIGHT be in the ballpark! Sure, it may be a clean kit, but at the end of the day, it's still a 60's MIJ kit. Can they be made to sound good? Of course! However, simply due to the wood used, and overall lack of quality workmanship, these MIJ drums were always hit and miss! You need to understand why these drums flooded the American market; as an inexpensive alternative to the high-priced US drums...Gretsch, Ludwig, Rogers and Slingerland. These MIJ kits offered parents nice looking kits at cheap prices compared to the US brands. I guess what chaps my hide is the elevated prices these MIJ kits have risen to. Of course, the worst offenders are brick-and-mortar stores!

Now, all that being said, it really comes down to how badly you want the kit. If it is THE kit you've been searching for and you just have to have it, then go for it! Yes, condition plays a major role in price, but I still feel the seller is dreaming!

OK, that's my :2Cents: and I've vented and feel much better! Good luck with your decision!

-Mark

Why mention the snare and all of its "amenities" if it's not included? Shady.

I agree with Mark, and these did flood the American market back in the day. However, that was 50+ years ago, and although there are still plenty of them around, you see more vintage USA made stuff than vintage MIJ available nowadays, at least in my opinion. These were certainly not of the build quality their USA counterparts have, but that doesn't mean they are bad or even inferior drums. I am an MIJ aficionado, and as long as the shell is in good shape and you choose the right heads and tune well, they can sound very good, and it's a much less expensive way to get a vintage kit from that era, without paying for a Gretsch Round Badge or Rogers Holiday. I don't think MIJ kits should be given away for pennies on the dollar, but because of all the points Mark made, they should be priced well below their USA made competitors. And, like anything else, condition plays a major role in "market value", and ultimately, selling price.

Having said that, without the snare, I think $250 is the most I would hope to get out of it if I were the seller. It might be clean and it looks like it comes with the original cymbal arm, but there is probably wrap fading and and interior issues, like re-rings lifting slightly is fairly common on these kits, which can only be found during an in-person, hands on inspection. Plus, the wrap is pretty common, not very rare. Even if this is in 100% pristine condition, the seller is asking more than twice what I would expect to pay, especially without the snare.

Ahhhhhhhhh...not cool. Don't post the picture with the snare, or note LOUDLY that its not included. Bad vibes.

This link will make it easier for all to see... https://reverb.com/item/6270811-pearl-aqua-sparkle-4-piece-drum-set-no-snare

-Mark