This will all depend on the actual condition of the original wrap. They are prone to bad wear and scratching, not to mention cracking. If the wrap had any real issues, all bets are off.

That said, I offer my opinion as:

1. Buy and play

2. Look for replacement candidate for the floor tom.

3. Put original floor tom up for sale.

4. Rewrap top toms and bass along with replacement floor tom.

Good luck.

And remember my dermatologist recommends staying out of the sun when possible!

It all depends really. For me that kit could use a little loving, but that's me. Bottom line is at the end of the day that is far from being a collector's kit. That to me is where I see the line being drawn as far as re-wrap / working on the kit. That's a players kit, and can be made to look just as good as any collectors kit. Also looks to me that other floor tom leg mounts have been added to the floor tom.If you can snag them for a good price I think it's a good project kit. And who knows what other " issues " you may find. Small holes, tears, etc...

I usually make the decision based on whether or not the kit has become unsightly overall or the wrap is badly cracked, crazed and/or coming free from the shell. The plastics that were used 50 years ago are beginning to break down seriously on some kits. I prefer to bring them back to life with new wrap at that juncture. The pictured bass drum is one for which I simply viewed it as hopeless in its original uniform.

For the kit you have, I'm not sure how I would view it. It's kind of psychedelic anyway, and I might be fine with it. For the present moment, it is not too, too valuable, so it probably doesn't make a lot of difference which way you go. If that set was in the 18, 12, 14 configuration, it might be a completely different judgment.

This is a valid point. I did buy a Leedy kit from the 50s', 18" bass, 12" tom, 14" floor finished in the Fiesta pearl wrap. Now I could have re-wrapped as there were a few issues. But I chose not to touch the kit aside from a very basic cleaning as it held a lot more value that way. And that was a kit I specifically bought to flip.

I agree with Dan and Jay really depends on the drum and how bad the wrap is. I first like to take as many steps as possible to bring one back to life. IMHO yours looks in the "OK" to leave as is range for me. If its under stagelights I bet it would look great. And thT style of wrap looks fantastic on strange! I also agree with what you say, if it has already been rewrapping, go for it. If someone turned it into a mess with lots of additional holes, go for it. I guess it really comes down to personal opinion and what you want to do with the kit.

Michael

1) When is it okay to rewrap a drum set?

In my opinion it's ok to re-wrap a kit when its value isn't lessened by doing so.

2) Is this a candidate for a rewrap, or is that a travesty?

Yes; it's already a travesty in my opinion. Re-wrapping could make it less so, but you would most likely never recoup the cost to re-wrap it unless you stole the kit at the buy.

What Dan said...

John

From what I can see. The pic I personally would leave it original. But it could look a lot different right at it in person. Looks cool, and has mojo to me.

Unless the wrap is split or damaged or extra holes in any of the drums just leave em be. You would not get any extra money from re wrap. As is it looks absolutely cool. Love to know what price is on it. If it were in the UK then it would already be in my house......All the best sean