Ordinarily, I would say this is a bit too high. But, considering the condition...it's very close to a good deal. If it were even remotely close to me, I would get it myself. Excellent find. It's very very unusual to find a kit AND the hardware in such immaculate condition. My take...get it. I would rather pay an extra two or three hundred and get exactly what I wanted. It's hard to quibble over a couple of hundred dollars when you're talking about something so perfect.

If you pass on it, two years from now, that two hundred will seem so insignificant. You will regret it. That's my take.

It is probably never going to loose value if you do get it.

This mirrors my thoughts....how many more sets will I look at before I find one so similar in its condition and integrity. How long will it take to find another similar set? I don't have to search for missing parts, try to match serial numbers, buy separate cymbals of the same era, etc. etc.

The owner is very particular about his, car, lawn, house etc. He clearly cares for the things he owns. So, I know he treated the set in the same manner.

Are there any finer, less often checked details I should investiate before buying? Its the highest purchase price I have ever paid for a drum set, so I want to cover all the bases. Any thoughts

[COLOR="DarkRed"]~Take the heads off, make sure the wrap seams are tight to the shell.

~Check the bearing edges and the reinforcing rings, looking for ply separation on the rings...chewed up or uneven edges on the edges....

~Look at the interior ply of the shell..is it splitting or bubbling anywhere ?

~Check the chrome for pitting.

~Remove the set-o-matic assembly and see if the ball joint is still fairly intact, not worn down or chewed up.

~Make sure the FT leg mounts are operating properly...are they really holding those legs nice and firm ?

~Look at the zoomatic strainer, see if it's bending the shell at all in it's vicinity. Make sure the tension conrol knob on it works smoothly and actually moves the assembly properly.

The cymbals alone...2 rides, crash, and 'hats, if they are Avedises and not anythiong cheaper such as Amirs or Scimitars...they are worth about $400 all by themselves. The original hardware is worth about $200 right there....so really, the 5-pc drums actually is costing you, what ?...$700. A 5-pc kit with snare included for $700.

It actually isn't a bad deal at all...it's just that it's really the "whole package"..which most folks aren't really looking to buy.

If you can muster the funds, go for it. heck, do you think he'd entertain an offer...maybe $1200-1250 even ?[/COLOR]

Well, funds are tight. But, to walk away from this. I am afraid I won't see it again for a long time. I just dont have a sense of how rare they are....

By the way...it has a Ludwig Speed King bass pedal....

Are you looking at it as a collector or player? Jaye is right about 700.00 not being a bad price for just the drums but are they something that floor you? Money is tight nowdays and to shell out that much cash for a kit, even though they are in great condition, they would have to be my set up and a color that was not real common. 70's silver sparkle is not rare, and does not have that crushed glass depth to it. For me if it was one up, two down well maybe. Just my two cents.

I would trade two sets for one in that condition. It's very very rare to find a 38 year old kit in that condition. I have two setups of that hardware and can attest to the rarity of those being in GREAT condition. I just picked up two more of those Buddy stands in really good condition, but there are even some tiny issues with those. This is a very rare kit to be in that condition. I would pick it up so fast it would part your hair on the other side of your head. There are not many people who take care of their gear to this extent. Dang. I thought I took care of my gear. This makes my anal retentiveness seem like a nervous finger tapping. This guy is serious. If you don't buy the kit, please pass on the info to others on this forum. Someone here will purchase that kit. No doubts. There are some serious collectors on this forum. I just saw a '76 Slingerland direct pull hi-hat stand go for almost 200 because it was mint (right out of the box). This gear would pull that kind of dough or very close to it.