I personally don't put a lot of stock into buying certain drums because they're the same ones that (insert big name drummer) played 50 years ago. I know a lot of people do, and it does affect the market. To me, $1500 for this particular early 70's original five piece configuration is a very fair price if the (Zildjian???) cymbals, original hardware, and cases are included. Especially considering that you're buying them from a friend of your Dad's who is the original owner. You know it's been cared for, there are no extra drilled holes or modifications, the chrome looks nice and shiny, and they even have the original heads. Yeah, I'd jump on it. Good luck, and thank you for your service.

Congratulations for taking the plunge. This drum set and the go-withs look to be an ideal kick off point for your soon to be civilian life.

DRUM ROAD TRIP!! And, thanks for your 23 years of service to our country! All the best to you.

-Mark

Hah! I got lucky! I kept looking at that one tom and the position of the lugs around it just looked odd, so I thought it was an optical illusion from the "hidden" rack tom. Every now and then I'm right!

-Mark

Here's the last set of pictures, they're the cymbals I assume he purchased with the set...or came with? I don't know how they did business back then!!! I've reached out to the gentleman and said I'll take it.

Thanks for the history lesson on Slingerlands, you guys are truly good at your trade! Beautiful kits also, very meticulous and well taken care of.

Rick Cote

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Looks like the two cymbal stamps are 1960s vintage.

Great kit!! Welcome and Thank You for your many years of Service.

Creighton

Well fellas, so far so good. The kit arrived from Massachusetts unscathed and it's exactly what I expected! Original EVERYTHING, including heads!!!

What's the best fit for this kit when it comes to heads and sounds, this is way past my expertise level and I want it to sound as original/big band as I can. Keep it all original or put some new skins that will enhance the sound???? I'll all ears...

Thanks again,

Rick

You might get many numerous suggestions on heads.

The build quality of Aquarian Heads is very good but in truth I never liked the sound of the various Aquarian Heads I've sampled. All seemed to sound like wet cardboard to me. Of course other's opinions will vary.

I've never liked cardboard thick heads, but have heard some snares here and there that sounded pretty nice with the fake cow skin jobs, like Remo makes. Of course these were Craviotto Limited Edition Timeless Timber Snares I speak of, very nice, and of course were $$$$$

If you are looking for light thin single plys, and a head for jazz and all around use if you're not a banger, my vote would be for the Remo Ambassadors all around top and bottom, and or Diplomats. Or at least the Diplomat on the Snare, both sides.

I've found the Evans G1 is not a bad head either. Similar in many ways to the Remo Ambassador as far as thickness, sound characteristics.

What I've done on a couple occasions is go straight to somewhere like Musician's Friend online order all the head I want-need, they have them in stock, the prices are pretty tough to beat, and they ship quick.

As stated above, for toms and snare drum, use either Remo coated Ambassadors or Evans Coated G1. For a great vintage bass drum sound, I've been using the Remo smooth-white PS3. I used it on my 1968 Slingerland Buddy Rich kit with a Ludwig felt muffler. The Ludwig felt is thinner than most and I've had no issues with fitting the head to the shell.

-Mark

-Mark