drummers? Need some pricing advice

[indecks]

I bought a full kit 3.5 years ago from Guitar Center. Since I was (and technically still am) a beginner, and I didn't need a $10,000 kit, I went with the in-store "Sound Percussion" brand. The original kit was bought new and the 5 pieces, without the hardware was $399, if I recall correctly. Anyway, after some odds and ends, (hardware, cymbals, etc) I paid exactly $700 for my kit entire kit, cymbals, hardware and all.

My question is: how much would the original 5 piece kit be worth, without the hardware or cymbals?

The reason I ask is that I want to sell it off and upgrade to better drums now that I have funds for a better kit, plus I'd use whatever I sold it for to add to the current drums fund. It's in perfect condition, only ever used for practicing at home, never used in shows, never transported, dusted weekly, and kept away from grubby handed children. For all intents and purposes, the kit is still very close to new condition.

I want to put it on craigslist, but I dont want to be like one of those jackasses that thinks they have a gold mine and ask for $900 (the shells are def not worth that much) but I also don't want to be a chump and sell it for $20. Know what I mean?

Any help is appreciated, thanks!

[Ziggy]

Since it's a low brand and cost $400 new, I would say hope for no more than $200 for it. If you want a hassle free way of turning that kit into money for a new set, you could just trade it in at Guitar Center. I've sold them a few things in the past when I didn't wanna deal with Craigslist and it worked out pretty great. When trading, you get what ever price you agree on it as store credit PLUS 10% off your purchase. Might be different policies from store to store, but that's how it worked in mine. You can even call the store and confirm that they WILL take it so you don't have to waste your time lugging it down there.

[Bradtemple87]

I would anticipate to maybe get half your original investment, but any music store will definitely be lower. They have to make a profit on what they buy.

[KDub]

If you can tell me what the exact model (or closest) of the set is I can give you a better estimate.

But a shell set bought at about $400 in near mint condition is still worth about $300. The issue is without hardware you will have a hard time convincing someone to make the investment for a used set they still need to buy hardware for it so a more realistic range is $200 or a little over.

BUUUUT I hate to be the bringer of bad news you also have this issue.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/drums-pe ... set/560054

None of their 5 Pieces are over $500 and come with the hardware. Again if you can tell me the series I can tell you if you bought a better shell set but for the average consumer they would just buy that. Or one of the other 5 pieces that are $250-$300 that also have hardware.

If you would like advice on the upgrade feel free to ask as well.

[indecks]

KDub, thanks for the info. Where would I find the model # on it?

edit: I just looked at your link. Yeowch, lol. My kit is actually very similar to that. It's Wine Red just like that but the Toms don't have any kind of hookups. It's the old style attachment where the piping 'stabs' the Toms in the side.

[KDub]

I think Musicians Friend had that style for $299 when I checked.

While most drums have moved to the floating ring for connections some medium range and above do still use the old school tube through a hole method, though most are starter/"student" sets. But going off the fact that they have that and are wrapped and not natural wood (this usually means cheaper woods and less plys) $200 would be a good price to shoot for but you may get lucky.

It depends on the drum mfg. Some won't list on the drums what "series" that set is (because it doesn't really matter with that brand), other will have a serial number and/or short hand name written on the inside of the drums, and other will have a badge (usually at least on the bass drum).

[EllertMichael]

Selling a beginners kit that is shell only is going to be tough. when kids are getting into drums for the first time they are gonna be more apt to look for a full kit with hardware and cymbals, even if it's chincy garbage. I'd say $200 OBO and if someone offers you $150, take it.

also important: condition of the heads.

Good luck with the sale, buddy. what are you looking at for an upgrade? I went from a CB kit (much like the one you've got now) to a Gretsch Catalina Rock kit. I LOVE IT. Nice big drums.
SPAM ALERT I got a pretty killer deal on it though interstatemusic.com - 50% off on clearance. I get their catalog in the mail, it's fun looking at all the cool new stuff.
You just gotta keep an eye out, there are plenty of good deals out there

[indecks]

Nice! I've been thinking Tama, Gretsch, or Mapex.

I went into Guitar Center today to ask about it. I didn't take it with me, but I kinda just asked about it without giving too much detail on the condition/heads, etc. They said anywhere from $100 to $150.

Not too bad I suppose. They had a nice Tama set for $450. I think it was used but it was in excellent condition. I *almost* slapped it on my GC card, but I had promised the wifey that I wouldn't buy anything today, lol.

I think the easiest, hassle-free-est way would be to take it into GC and just let them have it for what they give me.

[Ziggy]

I think the easiest, hassle-free-est way would be to take it into GC and just let them have it for what they give me.

As I said, that's what I think for most things too. Did they say if they give 10% off on purchases with trade-ins? That's the way it worked in my local GC. Make trading in your stuff slightly better. At least it'll take the tax off.

[indecks]

I think the easiest, hassle-free-est way would be to take it into GC and just let them have it for what they give me.

As I said, that's what I think for most things too. Did they say if they give 10% off on purchases with trade-ins? That's the way it worked in my local GC. Make trading in your stuff slightly better. At least it'll take the tax off.

Ack! I forgot to ask about that. I suppose I can call in sometime and ask em.