Hello fellow drum peoples,

So I am wondering if anyone can offer help appraising a 1957 Radio King set. The condition is quite good and the owner is selling it with the original leather cases and the share case. He is asking $2395...any thoughts?

Does it include the stands and cymbals also? If not it's priced to high.

It does include everything seen in the image, stands and cymbals etc. The cymbals are all Zildjian Avedis. all purchased at the same time in the late 50s.

Try any price offer under 2 k and see if he bites but those Cymbsls and hardware make this s deal on high end worth it if shape is there

thanks for your input. I figured it to be a bit on the high side, and if I go in on it I will likely take your advice of seeing if he will get under 2k.

It's a buyers market. Way overpriced in my opinion. It comes down to demand. They may be excellent drums but how many out there are clamoring for them? I wouldn't even attempt to bargain with a seller who has overpriced their drums. The asking price $2,395 says it all. Why not $2,400? Surprised it's not $2,399.99.

So, what do you think the right value for this set would be? From an appraisal point of view.

thanks for your input!

I'd say 1200 for the drums and add maybe 500-600 for the hardware and cymbals (assuming they are all 50s As). $1800 is a better ballpark in my opinion.

That bass drum looks like it may be 12" deep (unless it's a 24 or 26 diameter). That's not a bad thing (probably sounds great) but it likely cuts down on the pool of potential buyers since a lot of folks favor deeper bass drums. Personally I 'd figure the drums at $1-1.2k and then the cymbals at another $5-600 depending what they are. Old K zildjians would be more of course. They look mighty nice but how many people are seeking drums like these out for that sort of top dollar? Maxwell might be able to get that sort of money but it seems unlikely otherwise.

Thanks for all the advice! it will help as I move forward. Incidentally, the two kits attached are my regulars. The Pearl is a mid 60s. It has a deeper bass and is a boomer. Given my regular playing habits it sees less use than my Mid 50s Slingerland Jr. kit. I use the 16" floor from the Pearl for that tom. The light on the down angle is a better idea of the wrap on The Slingerland...