OK, I'm really confused here! The OP specifically mentions about a 5pc Londoner kit, but the very first picture posted appears to be a Headliner! That, plus the kit is a 66 or earlier, based on the tympani-style tension rods and first generation Swivo tom mount.

Pictures #2 and #3 do appear to be Fullerton era, as evidenced by the cast collet noses and cast floor tom leg brackets.

So, what I THINK is happening is that the kit being offered to the OP is an early 70's Londoner 5pc, possibly with a Powertone snare drum? The COB Powertone was the standard snare drum offered with the Londoner in the early 70's. And, this Londoner kit has nothing to do with the 60's Headliner kit shown. Am I close with all of this?

We really need to know EXACTLY what is being offered in terms of drums and hardware, with pictures to back it up. Then we can provide a reasonable price the OP should pay.

One last thing, it appears that those two rack toms with cast collet noses, and the floor tom, are also using earlier square-head tension rods. Is that what others are seeing? Rogers switched to tension rods with the little "blips" during the Dayton era. So, how did all these mid-60's square-head tension rods end up on a early 70's (probably 72) drums? Just seems odd that the Fullerton factory would have that many old stock rods to do those toms.

-Mark

I will say this...the finish on those rack toms and floor tom look almost unfaded! Wonder how the bass drum looks! I had my Celebrity kit for 10 years, 1972-82, and the silver sparkle finish definitely yellowed over the years!

I'd really like to see the paper tags in all the drums, which would let us know more about them.

-Mark

Note: The snare in the 1st pic appears to be a 7 line, B+B dyna. That is a cool drum and worth some change.

Dave Z.

I'll let you all know after I check it out, but I suspect the first pic is not the actual set, but another set in the same finish , etc.

I don't think the drums are that old.

When I check them out, what specifically do I need to look at, besides the tags?

Hi Rob the drummer!

Buying a used set of drums is just like buying a used car. You need to look past how "pretty" the outside might be and check out the details before handing over your hard-earned money. That means having a drum key with you to take off at least the batter heads, which will allow you to check out the level of the bearing edges and shell interiors, including whatever tags may, or may not, be in the shell.

Are there any cracks in the shell? As to the reinforcing rings, it was very common for there to be some overlap separation. Just seems to be the way that Rogers installed the reinforcing rings.

Are there any gouges or nicks in the edges that would cause tuning issues?

What's the condition of the mounting hardware? Are they rusted or dirty?

Any broken lugs?

Concerning the cast collet noses, expect to find cracking at the top, causing you to have to turn the nose ever tighter for a proper hold around the Swivo hex rod. Don't forget to check the noses on the bass drum, too! These cast noses just crack with time and use. The best remedy is to replace them with machined noses. The kit in question will probably need 4 noses, which can easily set you back well over $100! Keep that in mind when negotiating the price.

What's the overall condition of the wrap? Is it clean? Faded? Ginger-aled?, cracked, etc?

Is the dual-Swivo mount included? What's the overall physical and cosmetic condition? Forgot to mention that you'll need two more machined noses for the tom mount, for a total of 6 collet noses!

What snare drum is included?

I've touched on some of the major items to look for when considering these drums...or any used drum purchase!

If I was the one buying the kit, I would be removing all heads, top and bottom, to do a full inspection. If the seller won't allow this, then I'd walk away.

As an example, I checked out a Slingerland kit from a local Craigslist seller a few years ago. He allowed me to remove the heads from any drum, or drums, I wanted. I was appalled at what I saw! There's no way I would even buy these drums! Explaining the issues to the owner of how poor the kit really was just seemed to go in one ear and out the other! This person was convinced that just because the kit was "vintage" that it had a high value!

I will say from what I see of the pictures you posted of the mounted toms and floor tom, is that the kit may just be in really nice condition. But, you need to delve deeper before getting stuck with a kit that you just might regret purchasing!

I certainly hope that this long explanation will help you out. Good luck to you! Please keep us informed as to the final outcome!

-Mark

OK, so I just got back from checking out the drums.

As I suspected, the first photo was one grabbed off the interweb and not of the actual set. BTW, that first photo is of a Rogers set owned by Ed Shaughnessy (sp?).

The drums themselves are 12, 13, 16, &18 bass dr. All without any extra holes, finish seemed very good, no cracking with some slight wrap lifting at the seams. All tags intact and I think they are Fullerton era. The light was somewhat poor and I couldn't see the tags too well. I feel they would clean up really well. He also has three or four Rogers tom holders, one single, and three double, complete with all mounting bolts.

There were two snares. One 6.5 dynasonic, and one 5" I think that was not a dynasonic. Both were COB. The shells seemed fine, but almost every other component on the drums was either bent or rusted to some degree.

There was a dizzying amount of hardware. Most of it was rogers from the 70's Heavier stuff. No swan leg items. A couple of decent hihats, and a Trick bass pedal.

Cymbals were also there. All newer Zildian K Constanoples, but they all sounded really bad, IMO.

Also included were hard cases for the toms and bass.

He has this priced at 2,900 right now. I told him that's way high. More like 1,500 for everything. He didn't seem to agree. He also won't part it out. Buy everything or nothing. I told him he will have a hard time doing that.

Anyway, not for me, I guess. I appreciate everyone's input, so thanks to all! I guess I'll stick with my Ludwig Super Classic, lol.

Sounds like he has quite a bit of hardware and cymbals to go with the kit. Still, the price of $2900 is really high!

You mentioned that the bass drum is an 18". Are you sure about that? I would think that the Londoner came with either a 20" or 22" bass drum. If it truly is an 18" bass drum, then it is incredibly rare! That, plus I'm not sure if Rogers was even offering 18" bass drums during the Fullerton era.

At least you got a chance to check everything out. It does sound like a nice kit, but the vast majority of buyers don't want or need all the hardware and cymbals if it only adds to the price.

Ok, I just looked at the 1970 catalog and Rogers did offer a 14x18 bass drum. However, I don't see this size in catalogs after 1970.

-Mark

Yeah, there's a guy on DFO who's trying to trade a Fullerton WMP 14x18 bop kit for a Camco.

New info helps. Rough estimates:

18" bd (not converted floor tom) - $750

6-1/2" Dyna - $550

5" Powertone - $200

12-13-16 toms - $550

Hardware - Samson cymbal/hi-hat/snare stands $60-$75 each

Cases - $100 - $150 depending on ABS or fibre cases

Trick pedal $?

Cymbals - sizes not listed - $300?

$2900 might not be outrageous, depending on actual condition of everything. $1500 would be low IMHO with the 18" bd and 6-1/2" Dyna. You could sell off the pieces you don't want for $3-500 perhaps.

If it all looks in very good condition (no rust, lifted seams, cracked collets - getting them for $2500 pick with no shipping cost and selling off what you don't want would not be out of the question IMHO.

For what it's worth, see the below link to Bentley's drum shop in Fresno, CA. Two Rogers sets, one of which is (reportedly) "The Tonight Show" kit.

https://www.bentleysdrumshop.com/pages/used-vintage

Regards, MB