I haven't visited his shop/loft yet but he's 35 miles from me..

Chris is a great guy, that I've gotten to know through the drum shows. I personally don't think he will be offended by a lower offer, he'll probably just decline if he feels its too low.

I didn't mention that I had already spoken to Chris about this set before posting this. I told him nicely that I felt his asking price was way too high. His response was, 'I think the price is fair," to which I promptly replied, "No offense intended, but I respectfully disagree," and then pointed out all the issues with the set. I was then invited to make an offer, which I have not yet done.

I do agree that much of what he sells has modifications, problems and issues. It seems like he specializes in player's quality sets.

I just wanted some feedback on Chris and his business dealings and practices. I'm sure he's a nice guy, so I'm going to look at the set again closely and make a decision as to whether or not to make an offer.

Has anyone had any issues with Chris? Thanks all.

Hi DrumBob!

I feel you're doing the right thing by checking out the set again and making a fair offer based on condition. The vast majority of these 60's MIJ snare drums and sets are of interest to only a very small percentage of buyers. I'm sure Chris would rather sell for a fair price than to have the kit taking up precious sales space. Let us know what happens!

-Mark

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Chris is a younger guy. He has come a long way since he first started doing his drum business. I first met him two years ago at the Chicago show. His inventory and sales seem to be getting better and better. He's a nice guy and has connected with the right people,in my opinion, to help better himself in the vintage drum community. I'm just happy to see some younger guys like him really working hard to establish themselves in this stuff that we all love. I've done several deals with him and everything has been perfect. Great communication, packing, shipping time, everything just right.

Mike

Hello all. I was pointed to this thread by Mike, who is a good friend of mine. Thanks for all the kind words from everyone. I’ll chime in here regarding the Stewart kit and why it is priced as such. This is just my opinion based on my experience.

I deal quite a bit with MIJ kits. I personally think they are very underrated drums. This particular kit comes in a very rare wrap — I’ve only ever seen one other offered. Sure it isn’t perfect, but based on what other MIJ onyx kits in similar condition have sold for in the past year, my price of $600 on my site is right around where it should be.

As a side note, pricing is 100% based on time. If you want something to sell quickly, it will be priced as such. I like to wait for the right buyer — most of the time that buyer comes along, sometimes it doesn’t.

Well Chris, since we're talking here on the forum, with all due respect, I am seeing onyx/agate MIJ sets selling for quite a bit less than what you're asking; in the area of $350+. There was a very nice blue agate set in RI that went for $375. I'd say that's reasonable and fair.

I'll say it again; this green agate set has severe finish fade, trashed BD hoops and unoriginal parts. Yes, the finish is rare, but should that add $200-250 to the price? Again, no offense, but I disagree.

If you scan craigslist around here, you'll find MIJ sets selling for as little as $99 and up. Check for yourself. There's a red sparkle 12/14/20 set in Patchogue, Long Island, NY for $99. Check Reverb and Ebay. There are MIJ bargains out there. The high priced stuff sits and sits until sellers get smart and drop their prices. At least most of them.

Many of us here bemoan the fact that MIJ drums are rising in price, when one can still score vintage American-made drums for bargain prices if you look long enough or luck out. I scored a sky blue pearl '73 Slingerland set in near mint condition two years ago for $550, with an old Zildjian ride.

I'm sorry to say, I believe it's dealers who are bumping prices up, and that, in turn, spurs private sellers to ask outrageous prices for their MIJ drums. Look at the red swirl Pearl set right now on Ebay for $2000. The man is on drugs. Then, there's the gold satin flame set for $1971, because 1971 was a special year for the seller. He's delusional.

Now, if you want to discuss that green set privately, feel free to reach out to me, either here or via my email. I'd enjoy talking with you, and please supply a phone number so we can talk that way. I also like that orange tiger set you have. Thank you.

So you’re unhappy with the price that he wants for the drums? He suggested you make an offer and you didn’t? Dude. He can sell the drums for whatever he thinks he can get for them. You can buy them at that price or make an offer. Pretty simple.

Must be the Asian glue...

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https://www.hawthornedrumshop.com/contactus

Hawthorne Drum Shop. 500 Huntington Avenue Suite 300,. Pittsburgh, PA 15214,. United States. 7249445803 [email]chris@hawthornedrumshop.com[/email]. Hours. CART.

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