That's a hard-to-find color, and gorgeous as well. If you're going to keep it, it all depends on YOU.

I assume that kit was produced near the end of the Rogers run, when they had switched from bass T-handles to modern tension rods? That's all I can question from the one picture.

Hi DrumBob!

Rogers USA-made drums, in general, always seem to be built to a higher standard. If you've been following my thread about the restoration of the 1976 Big R kit, you know that this kit has lots of cosmetic issues. The kit is almost finished and, although very clean now, still shows some scratches, light scuffs and a bit of rust here and there. However, all the shells are just about perfect, with only a few very minor issues that don't affect tuning. I also noted that all drilled holes are just about perfect. No blow-outs whatsoever! The plan is to offer the 4pc kit (13/14/16/22) for about $725, but we will entertain fair and reasonable offers.

I've always maintained that condition is everything. If the kit you're considering has almost no cosmetic issues, it MIGHT be worth the asking price. Is a snare drum included? I see a snare drum, but it doesn't appear to be the COB Dynasonic. If no snare drum, I'd still make a lower, fair, offer. Are you able to see the kit and do a complete inspection? Even though I've completely disassembled, cleaned and polished just about everything, I have no issues if a tentative buyer wants to remove heads to check shell interiors and the integrity of all bearing edges. It's jut like buying a used car; it may look pretty from the outside, but it's what's on the inside that counts!

Also, the kit you're interested in appears to be a 1978-79, which is when Rogers came out with the Memriloc floor tom legs. The wraps used did have a tendency to crack, so extra points if in VG+ condition! The New England White wrap on the kit I'm working on is in VG+ condition, with only some very minor seam lifting on the 14" tom and a small crack extending at the bottom of the bass drum around the bolt that connects the long tube from the tom holder.

Let us know what happens!

-Mark

Think the asking price is high for just the 4 drums. Bass drum square head tension rods were offered in 1983 in last year of the run. Cannot tell from the picture if the interiors are clear or painted. That will lock in the actual year. XP8 are are some of the best shells Rogers offered.

If the buyer is firm on his price, you have to figure if you are willing to pay his price for a "forever" set.

No snare or hardware included, except for the tom holder. The shells are clean inside and out. Really, the set is in superb condition all around. The seller is a nice guy. I bought a DW tom stand from him yesterday, and had a chance to look the drums over. It's a gorgeous set in every way, but I wasn't ready to deal with him on these drums.

They've been up on craigslist for over a month with no takers. I'm inclined to wait a bit and see what happens.

I have seen these Big R drums in that color going for less on Reverb and Ebay, hence my hesitation.

For only the 4 drums and mounts, I'm thinking that the asking price is a bit too high, which is confirmed by no takers in a month of being offered. As owners, we all have opinions for our asking prices. Still, reality needs to set in and sellers need to be open to fair offers. My gut feeling is that somewhere between $800-$900 is more than fair...if they are in the condition you say they are. They are well-built drums, but many still have issues with the look of Memriloc hardware. Kind of a love-hate relationship!!

-Mark

Mark, the owner doesn't care if he sells them or not. He said yesterday that he'll just keep them if nobody coughs up the $1000. He loves Rogers Big R drums; doesn't care about the Swivo era stuff at all. I think he has three or four Big R sets. Everything was in drum bags.

He recovered a seven piece Big R set in green sparkle and they look incredible. Everything he has is in mint shape.

BTW, if you look at the picture I posted, you'll see a big tarp. Under it is a dead mint '66 Chevy Impala in gold. I wish you could see this car. It's immaculate, even the engine compartment. I rather liked the seller; he's an old hippie type with a long grey ponytail, two dogs, ducks roaming the yard, a bit eccentric, and it looked like he was retired and had some money. I think I'm going to befriend him. He was a luthier for years, and obviously knows how to work on drums. He had a big workshop in the garage. He also had a couple of old MIJ sets on shelves that have sat there for years.

I have a question about the right hand mounted tom's badge not facing outward? Possibly part of a larger outfit originally?

Anyhow, I've never let 100 or 2 get in the way of an outfit I really loved and wanted. Considering the outfits and snares I've "underpaid" for, it all works out in the end.

That's a very astute observation, one I didn't think of. I'm going to keep an eye on them and see how long they remain on CL. I guess you could always attach a second badge on the front of the tom. but in my case, I never use my 12" toms, so the badge on the 13" tom would likely face outward when mounted.

I definitely agree, but have always been afraid to say so! So thanks for manning-up and saying what I have been to afraid to!Clapping Happy2

Sometimes it's better to spend the little extra if it's something we really want instead of kicking ourselves later for letting it slip away. And not for nothing, you like this guy, he might even become a friend, and in a small way, that sort of plays into this as well.