You could have paid more for a new kit, but not have the headstart on appreciation in value.

very true...i cannot express how happy i am with this kit...it is like new, and ive owned many many new and used kits of all value ....this one has that certain sound that i like.....from jazz to rock...

so at first i was concerned with the value but not after i played ...ive played more in the last few days than i have in a long time ..

you barely tap it and it has a warm full sound and if ya beat it it sings ...better than a tickle me elmo...lol

Yes, the stands look to be later 60's. That hihat stand was the heavier duty model Ludwig sold. Though not 1962 correct, there's a zillion model 1123's (a lighter weight one that matches your cymbal stands) on eBay constantly: http://cgi.ebay.com/Ludwig-1968-Model-1123-Spurlok-Hi-Hat-Stand-w-clutch-NR_W0QQitemZ360228119446QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item53df44e396

I have the hihat stand you have (the Atlas model) and a 1123, and the one you have feels better to me, plus the spring is adjustable, whereas on the 1123 it isn't adjustable. With heavier cymbals the 1123's spring can feel too weak. But both are nice stands and the 1123 is lighter to haul around. Don't get freaked by some nuts prices, an 1123 went for $41 recently, I paid $15 for mine 5 years ago (real good deal) but I wouldn't pay more than $60 for one. They made tons so they aren't very valuable.

The later stands you have are very desirable and nice, and the earlier ones like they sold in 1962 are nice too but because they made way less, and the fact that Ringo used those types when the Beatles came out, makes the 1962-ish ones crazy expensive unless you get pretty lucky.

Super nice set!

I'm having the same problem. I just finished recovering the Club Dates I bought in the summer, and now seeing these gorgeous Champers kits is making me think of re-recovering. Not a good plan... but so tempting. Beautiful drums.

Note: that model 1123 hihat I linked to earlier:http://cgi.ebay.com/Ludwig-1968-Model-1123-Spurlok-Hi-Hat-Stand-w-clutch-NR_W0QQitemZ360228119446QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item53df44e396

went for $175 which is what somebody wanted to pay for a pristine one. They don't usually sell for near that much, that's about the highest I've seen one go for, and frankly I think it's bonkers to pay that much for one of them. But I'm not a collector and all my stuff is very, very used 'cause that's what I bought it for!