And I can also choose not to make an offer, and also realize he can charge whatever he wants. It's a free market economy we have in this country. My point is that dealers could be driving up the prices of MIJ drums unrealistically.

I think $600 for that set is too high given the condition, others agree right here on this forum, and I have a right to say what I think, especially since the seller chimed in a few posts back. This is a forum where we can discuss stuff like this, right? Whether I want the drums and decide to make an offer is between the seller and yours truly.

I'm enjoying this thread, as it's been done in a very positive way. It's always true that a seller can ask whatever he/she wants. But, as noted, this is what has been driving MIJ prices up! It boggles the mind that you can now find great vintage USA-made drums for less than what is being asked for MIJ drums. One only needs to search eBay and see what people are asking for MIJ snare drums! For the most part, they don't sell! And, yes, it does appear that sellers/dealers are playing up the rarity/nostalgia thing to increase profits.

Chris is handling this in a good way. He doesn't get mad or angry and makes the point about the rarity of the wrap. But, at the end of the day, I'm going to side with DrumBob. I hope they can work this out!

Here are pictures of my MIJ snare drum collection and early 60's Crown kit. The majority of these drums were obtained for very low prices! If purchased today, I couldn't afford them! LoLoLoLo

-Mark

I think it's suckers boosting the image of early MIJ drums that raise the price; the dealers are just taking advantage. If no fuss was made over them online and elsewhere; if just remained quiet about them; then they'd still live in the shadows; but no; players and buyers " brought" them "out" of the shadows and into the limelight . The blame can't be entirely laid at the used-second hand- dealers feet for " discovering" them.

Dealers usually follow public trends they rarely (or struggle mightily to) (and usually fail) to create them.

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Not sure that's fair. 10th photo (and 11th) is focused to show interior isn't it?

7 previous show wrap.

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Yes, focused to show interior. My camera works the same way.

-Mark

I have enjoyed reading the trail of e-mails here and it has been very open and honest by all members of the group without personal attacks. Cheers for that.

I took a look online at the kit in question and IMHO fully agree that $750 is way way too high for the kit given the condition, even though it is a "rare wrap" which I get really tied of hearing. IMHO it is about $300 over what it should get. I realize that there is the fact that he does own and run a business that has inherent cost of inventory, etc. I am also glad to see he will take offers and hopefully someone will be able to add this kit to their collection.

I edited this post because in hindsight, I don't want to sway anyone because of your rating. That is for individuals to decide.

There are many photos on my website. If a buyer would like to see what something looks like without a lug, I’ll gladly do it. Please note that green fades faster than most other wraps, other than peacock, so “minimal fade” is a direct correlation to this type of wrap. It’s obvious there is fade on the bass drum - I think it’s shown clearly. The toms have pretty good color.

Regarding the eBay rating thing, if anyone is interested in discussing that with me personally, feel free to send an email. I think it’s fair to point out I have a perfect 5 star rating on reverb, which I vastly prefer over eBay.