Both are the same except for the hardware. However, the Downbeat is the more desirable kit to collectors. It was considered a more of a top-of-the-line model, whereas the Clubdates were less expensive, by comparison.

Some people believe the Clubdates to be "better" sounding (in the sense of resonance) because of the fact that there is less mass (hardware attached to the shell)...but others believe that the center-mounted position of the lugs tends to rob resonance....so take your pick of theories. Mister T

Yeah they are the same thing, even sound exactly the same no matter who nitpicks about what the lugs do to the resonance.

Still, I would take a downbeat over a club date any day simply because of the lug styling. Seems to be that way for most others as well, which is why they cost less, so if you actually do like that style more, then good news for you.

I recently scored a set of Club Dates, from 1966, in champagne. I see the same color and setup, only in a Down Beat hardware configuration, going for nearly twice what I paid for mine. That's huge, and the sound difference, if any, is negligible - to me, anyway.

I love this little kit. It's very light, surprisingly loud for the sizes, you have to hit them!!! and I love the way the spurs and cymbal mount just vanish into the bass drum for travelling.

WOW!!! That is a sweet set man. Is it a re-wrap?? The wrap looks pristene as does the rest of the set. NICE!! Definately my favorite vintage wrap.

Thanks.:)

It's original, and better than I expected, for sure. You really can't tell when you buy stuff on the internet. For me it's hit and miss, with a lot of misses.

When I unpacked it, I took it all apart and just cleaned the heck out of it, then used a fine polishing compound, and then waxed it with Zymol.

It just came to life!

:)

Club Dates are just sweet sounding drums. That's all there is to it.