I appreciate the feedback. It would be a shock if there were cymbals of much value and an even greater shock if they were offered by the seller. As for splitting up a set that old, you are of course right. It would be a crime, and a certainly wouldn't try to do that. This enitre thread has really kicked me to the gutter.

And to further state, I am not taking advantage of this kid. His financial hardships are due to a current remodling of his kitchen. And during my posts when I've mentioned his "financial hardships", I haven't meant that he's starving or getting ready to be kicked to the curb by and evil landlord. He's just wanting some extra dough to finish his newly remodled kitchen. Hand to heaven, that's what he told me. Maybe that means he is in a pinch, maybe it doesn't.

I'll kick some pictures on here later on today and let you all see what you think. I have some things along with money I can offer that would more than sweeten the deal, especially for his recording studio. Guys, rest assured I'll do the right thing. As someone mentioned earlier, make an offer and the most horrific thing he can say is no.

*IF* that happens, anyone who reads this thread and is interested in buying the complete set for yourself, I'll gladly arrange a phone call with the seller. Without saying where we both live exactly, the closer you are to central Indiana the more gas you'll save! Cool Dude

Yeah....I went a little overboard with my ad hominim attack on you Kevin. Once again, my apologies. I too tend to at least try to give as good as I get, but as I've been reminded this isn't really the place.

To answer some of your questions (read my reply to the previous post directly below to Jonnistix for some pertinent details to this situation....).

1) If I had no idea about this kids personal life would I make the same offer give or take a few hundred? Absolutely. I am not exactly living the high life these days as I'm currently laid off and have been for the last few months. Things are incredibly tight with my wife and I. I've had to sell off a fair amount of my old and rare book collection just to survive recently. And I would have to sell a few more to even make the payment offered to the seller, provided he were to take it.

2) As I posted in a reponse earlier, I don't feel right about breaking up a 63 year old set. I would feel sick about it, but in the end it's going to be all about the condition of the snare and the rest of the set.

3) Again, Kevin. Sorry for being a horse's ass to you. I've had several people you have the best intentions. Oh, and like you said.....forget about that private message if you feel the rage.....just let it fly on the regular post. Not a darn thing childish about that. It'll help keep a newb like me in check!! LOL!Yes SirYes Sir

4) I'm taking some pictures of this Ludwig set and all that may or may not come with it this afternoon. I'll post the pictures right away on returning home. IF you or anyone else wants it and will pair what you feel to be a fair price, it would be my pleasure to set up a call between the seller and the other interested party. Sound reasonable? No finder's fee, no drama. Just a helping hand to this guy who, for the moment I'll asume he might need. I am small beans to this stuff, guys. Dad has an entire basement full of sets, kits, hardware, stands, and an insane amount of cymbals. I on the other hand studied piano at college back in Missouri. Needless to say drums aren't exactly my strongest suite, but I am trying!

No sweat, water under the bridge.

Thanks for your apology.

I apologize as well.

I get wound up too easily at times.

I think I may have been editing when you read my last post......did you check out my points one through four (especially four)

I have read all the threads on this main thread, and Wow very interesting, humanities class 101 here, I have the very drumset you are going after, and my good buddy kevins has seen it,ludwig ludwig kits are fairly rare, a complete one even more so, I wouldn't blame you for trying to low ball him, on me it absolutely wouldn't work!! but the seller didn't set a price, and in the world of the Internet a simple search will make you knowledgeable enough to make a wise decision on your item, that as they is why they say buyer's beware well so is it sellers beware, that's why they call it a deal!!! no agreeing or disagreeing with anyone just my 2 cents worth,, and yes please post the pics of the kit if he wants to sell it, and which snare drum do you think it is?Yes Sir

You asked for us to opine. So here goes.

If you are not working and you have a wife to care for, you really should not be bringing in a kit at a cost to your family. If you have books to sell then sell them and continue to take care of your family. An assumption is you have Internet access at the house. Why would you pay for this luxury when you are not bringing in the dough? A responsible husband and a mature man would never put personal pleasure before the care and needs of his family.

That's my take. It's not meant to insult you or to chastise you. But, iron sharpens iron and this action called into question your foundational family care. Again, just one mans time to opine.

Guys!...

Whereas I have no intention of treading on the "discussion" regarding the merits of buying or not buying this WFL set, I will add to the historical account as I am a Buddy freak in all regards, especially his endoresements/equipment timelines... so that said:

Buddy's first major endorsement period with WFL/Ludwig was from 1946 to 1959, but the first actual cataloged drums using BR's name didn't happen until 1947... so this is quite probably a BR set given the sizes mentioned, with the 14X26 bass drum being especially so. The set was called simply the "Buddy Rich Outfit" changing to the "Buddy Rich Super Classic" a year later. The snare drum "could be" a 51/2X14 or a 61/2X14 as BOTH were offered, although it was the 61/2X14 that was shown with the cataloged set. The snare drum, to be an actual Buddy Rich model, should have the "Classic Snare Strainer" and extended butt, regardless of shell depth. If pictures are supplied they will of course tell the complete tale, but it does appear that this would be a 1947 "Buddy Rich Outfit".

I have a 1948 Ludwig/WFL "Buddy Rich Super Classic" set in WMP with both size snare drums and complete hardware in just beautiful condition. I also have the twin 16X16 floor toms although it took a while to hunt down the second one, but the match of the WMP and badging is perfect. Bass drum size in 1948 was down 2" to a 14X24 with 14X22 being the "norm" for the cataloged sets although the 14X24 was available.

Hopefully some pics will be posted as I would love to see this set! Here's a shot of mine taken at a gig after sound check. Stage light was low, thus it took out my cymbals... but they're there! The drums are in superb condition though... sound good too... always a plus!

Tommyp

I'm on my way to meet him now. I'll post pics and stats as soon as possible upon return.

Hope the deal goes well for both of you !!

Good luck !!

How did it go??