Hi everybody, Sorry in advance for a long first post!
I just discovered this forum as I have been trying to learn more about the drums I bought from Bill's Drum Shop Chicago while in Junior High during '65 - '67. They were acquired over time so they aren't a "matching set" in the strictest sense. They all have keystone badges and I think are in EXCELLENT condition. Here's the line-up: acrolite 5X14 8-lug snare #22496 (all original except batter head), 20" bass #41958 (all original hardware & Speed King pedal), 8X12 tom #438119, 16X16 tom #369040. Both toms have original Ludwig heads. I have the original WHL snare stand, spur loc high-hat, standing cymbal stand and bass mounted cymbal stand. In addition I just purchased on Ebay (but have not yet received) a 9X13 tom #437??? with a February, 1967 date stamp. I paid $203 plus shipping ($35 from Hawaii). Here are my questions for any of you. In terms of collect-ability and vintage value, is Black Oyster Pearl generally desirable or is it quite common? How much would the smallish 20" bass, acrolite snare, and un-matched serial numbers negatively affect the value? Would a 22" base and a supersensitive snare from the same 2 or 3 years be more desirable? What about re-wraps? I know these are very subjective questions that there are no absolute answers for but I hope they're not dumb questions. I am just beginning to learn about my "old drums" (as my wife and kids refer to them) from a new vintage drum perspective. They obviously have a lot of sentimental value and I'm not looking to sell at this point but I haven't played them for several years and MOST of their use came in the first 12 years. I will try to get pictures to post when I can. Thanks for you patience with my questions.