[COLOR="DarkRed"]So it's the 3 drums plus the bass pedal, 'hat stand, cymbal stand, and snare stand ? I am unclear as to whether this includes the hi-hats and the other cymbal...also what kind of cymbals are they ?

The 'hat stand isn't worth much, it is a very old style one and it isn't really usable...more of just a collectible.

NO..it isn't worth $1400...without a FT, no way. Granted, vintage champagne is a relatively rare wrap and this kit looks like it's in good shape, but sans FT this kit isn't worth more than $900-1000, IMHO.

Maybe if the remaining cymbals are included and they are something good, like some old A's, then $1400 might be in there.

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It does include the hi hats and the crash BUT I still don't know what they are. I am finding out.

I was mostly interested at this point to see if it's even worth the bother in terms of the originality of the drums and condition of the hardware.

Specifically (1) I thought the kick drum hoops were odd in that they have that natural looking wood bit on the inner edge and

(2) I was worried the chrome was pitted up/hacked too much (although this is hard to tell from the photos).

This seems not to be the case per your response, which is much appreciated.

I didn't want to press on with the purchase unless it was in the ball park on price. I haven't even made an offer so it might come for less that what I asked. It seems to me it will all turn on what cymbals.

I'll report back once I have more info.

ONE MORE QUESTION I FORGOT to mention: I thought I've read about people saying it's difficult to put heads on 6 ply Gretsch drums because of the "they were made for calfskin" point or something like that.

ANY TRUTH to this? Is it difficult?

1. Hoops look fully original. What you think is wood is actually the wood hoop of the original calfskin heads. These have usually been replaced by now, so this set hasn't seen that much abuse. The front head even has the (I assume) original "Gretsch" insignia. So that's all good.

2. Hard to tell on the chrome, but it looks like this hasn't been polished for a *long* time (maybe forever). Most sellers would have polished it to make it look better - these look like they're pretty much straight from the attic. It will definitely look much better after a quick pass with chrome polish.

3. Yes, they can be tight to put heads on, but not all drums are affected. There is a company that makes slightly oversized heads (Aquarian American Vintage) that solve the problem as long as you like the heads.

In response to the heads, the Aquarian heads work well (as stated previously) however I haven't had any trouble with any Evan's drum head products either. Remo make their collar a little tighter of a fit, so you will probably have trouble with them.

They are right though, $1400 seems high for what it comes with. If the K. ride that doesn't come with the kit is vintage and he was including it with the $1400, then I would say jump on it!

There is no shame in paying a little extra for something you KNOW you will enjoy for a long time...that's why they have Buy It Now on Ebay!! :-)

Good luck!

Kevin

More info on the cymbals and drums:

~CYMBALS

a) The seller is asking more for the K zildjian than the Gretsch kit. Info provided is that it is just under 20 inches and weighs just over 2000g. 50s. Here are the photos.

http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=78wqhx55.9dr48jm1&x=0&h=1&y=21ywh3&localeid=en_US

b) The other cymbal is an "almost 17 inch" zildjian bought in 1968. (I am using the description I got in quotes.)

c) The hi hats are 14" and only say "Made in Italy" in a circle stamp. One has a small crack only visible with magnifying glass. Any ideas as to maker?

~DRUMS

d) There are old cloth cases for the bass and ride tom.

e) There is a little wrap lift on the tom and bass where the wrap meets.

f) there is half an inch of wrap missing on one of the bass drum hoops.

Is that all worth $1400 without the K? How about that K, really worth that much? This seller seems to have a decent idea. I can't imagine paying $1K plus for a cymbal.

Many thanks to you guys for the comments and advice. It has been very helpful.