I just picked up a '65 champagne sparkle pioneer in good condition for $200 and felt that was reasonable...

There is sometimes a vast discrepency between what a buyer thinks is a 'fair' price and what a seller thinks is a 'reasonable' price. I believe a sale is unique betw seller and buyer so bless the seller that got $2100 for Pink Oyster Pioneer. The same drum same cond. but different wrap is only worth $175? Go figure:confused:. That becomes a seller's market, as it should be, because without sellers you could argue all day about hypothetical prices, while the prudent seller will stick to his price until the right buyer comes along. That being said, a pioneer in good/very good condition is worth $250.

"worth" is determined by what a buyer is willing to pay. If you, as the seller, believe an items "worth" is whatever, then simply don't sell it until that buyer comes along and agrees. I would hope to think that vintage drum dealers don't sell these drums in order to make next month's car payment, so sell them for what they are worth. If you read this carefully you will see what I am saying.

hey guys,

just went with this 66 pioneer for $160.

Seemed like a fairly low risk purchase to try out. what do you think?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/300707401573?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2648#ht_5006wt_1392

I Yike It!

Finish looks original to me, and a cool look to it.

I think you did very well.

That is a way cool finish and $160, that's a steal! You are gonna love that drum, if you don't let me know, I'll take it off your hands!

Thanks! I'll post in here after I clean it up and replace the rusty nuts and bolts (any obvious noob mistakes to avoid there, I'd love to hear from you).

My search for a pioneer originated out of a desire to find a 'lower volume' snare, to the extent that such a thing exists. I love the sensitivity and tone of my Blacrolite, but hopefully this will be a rounder, warmer (softer?) sound.

It will be especially if it has the the original snare wires.

Don't replace anything if you don't have to! Clean up those rusty parts and reuse them, there is plenty of advice here to help you along.

Awesome. It looks like the snares are original.

I'll see if I can get the rust off and keep the original hardware.