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80s TAMA Swingstar- help identify!

Posts: 2 Threads: 1

I have a TAMA Swingstar I need to sell, but I'd like to pinpoint its year and get some more information about it beforehand. I'm pretty sure it's from the 80s, but is there any way you can tell what exact year? I've heard that Swingstars from the 80s are unique in that they were made from mahogany with a layer of zola-coat, producing a better sound than newer Swingstars that are a bit cheaper quality and would be considered "entry-level" kits. Would you say these drums have an "aspen-white" finish?

One of the drums is an Imperialstar, not sure what year that would be either, but I'll post a pic (just realized it's not really the best pic:S) in case anyone can tell from it.

[IMG]https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-N5qAq6Xs4YA/TrW7b4_N4XI/AAAAAAAACT8/bUamgwNCRvs/s640/IMGP0652.JPG[/IMG]

[IMG]https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qx3BUjc10zk/TrW7tg9RsSI/AAAAAAAACUE/4J9Lc1rUwcA/s640/IMGP0659.JPG[/IMG]

[IMG]https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4OmeVi48iyM/TrW8epaQxBI/AAAAAAAACUM/3RPphCKZixg/s640/IMGP0724.JPG[/IMG]

[IMG]https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tfxHFwvBzw8/TrW8pUsVN0I/AAAAAAAACUU/on1MM02J7Kc/s640/IMGP0727.JPG[/IMG]

[IMG]https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dDbUrwRRiDU/TrW9BONwkyI/AAAAAAAACUo/2izeyE0ynxw/s640/IMGP0706.JPG[/IMG]

Any idea what they might be worth? I'm thinking I'll just throw the complete set with cymbals and hardware on eBay and see what the market decides:).

Thanks!

Doug

Posted on 12 years ago
#1
Posts: 2 Threads: 1

Woops, here's the Imperialstar:

[IMG]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-16PkwxFDL1g/TrW9pxneBzI/AAAAAAAACUw/pZ8EU_m5SfU/s640/IMGP0722.JPG[/IMG]

Posted on 12 years ago
#2
Posts: 5227 Threads: 555

From sirdouglas

I have a TAMA Swingstar I need to sell, but I'd like to pinpoint its year and get some more information about it beforehand. I'm pretty sure it's from the 80s, but is there any way you can tell what exact year? I've heard that Swingstars from the 80s are unique in that they were made from mahogany with a layer of zola-coat, producing a better sound than newer Swingstars that are a bit cheaper quality and would be considered "entry-level" kits. Would you say these drums have an "aspen-white" finish?One of the drums is an Imperialstar, not sure what year that would be either, but I'll post a pic (just realized it's not really the best pic:S) in case anyone can tell from it.[IMG]https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-N5qAq6Xs4YA/TrW7b4_N4XI/AAAAAAAACT8/bUamgwNCRvs/s640/IMGP0652.JPG[/IMG][IMG]https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qx3BUjc10zk/TrW7tg9RsSI/AAAAAAAACUE/4J9Lc1rUwcA/s640/IMGP0659.JPG[/IMG][IMG]https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4OmeVi48iyM/TrW8epaQxBI/AAAAAAAACUM/3RPphCKZixg/s640/IMGP0724.JPG[/IMG][IMG]https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tfxHFwvBzw8/TrW8pUsVN0I/AAAAAAAACUU/on1MM02J7Kc/s640/IMGP0727.JPG[/IMG][IMG]https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dDbUrwRRiDU/TrW9BONwkyI/AAAAAAAACUo/2izeyE0ynxw/s640/IMGP0706.JPG[/IMG]Any idea what they might be worth? I'm thinking I'll just throw the complete set with cymbals and hardware on eBay and see what the market decides:).Thanks!Doug

Doug, Your set is from the 90's not 80's the 80's drums would have the pointy lugs on them.Also by the tom size they look to be the power tom size 2" deeper....Not to much unique at all very common Tama set..if the cymbals are top of the line Zild's or something along these lines your set may sell for 600.00 to 700.00 on ebay...Mikey

Posted on 12 years ago
#3
Posts: 2753 Threads: 132

Sorry to burst your bubble. These were inexpensive "hair band" drums when new. Now, they are used inexpensive out of fashion drums that look to be in decent cosmetic condition. The above estimate is spot on providing that the cymbals are of higher quality than the drums.

No matter how far you push the envelope, it is still stationery.
Posted on 12 years ago
#4
Posts: 1311 Threads: 9

That snare in the middle looks to be a Slingerland artist model snare with a zoomatic strainer,if i'm not going blind.Could you post some pics of it as well showing the badge and bearing edge.That drum could bring around 300 if its in good shape.

Steve B

Posted on 12 years ago
#5
Posts: 138 Threads: 4

I bet somebody in a Metalica tribute band would snap those up in a heartbeat. I think Lars Ulrich had a kit similar to that in the early 90's Good Luck with them

Posted on 12 years ago
#6
Posts: 526 Threads: 60

From PaiceFan

I bet somebody in a Metalica tribute band would snap those up in a heartbeat. I think Lars Ulrich had a kit similar to that in the early 90's Good Luck with them

Good call! Lars did play a white Tama double-bass kit in the early 90s. It wasn't a Swingstar--he had his own signature line--but for a tribute band, this would be close enough.

I had a white Swingstar kit before I got my Gretsch set. It definitely wasn't a pro-quality kit, but it was a step up from the MIT kit that I started out with, and it served me well as a beginner. With the bottom heads removed, you can get that Phil Collins "barking" concert tom sound, which is a pretty cool sound if that's your thing.

Certainly this would be a good kit for a young drummer learning the ropes, or for any prog or metal drummer looking for a big multi-tom setup.

Kits:
1950s Gretsch Name Band in Midnight Blue Pearl (13/16/22/14sn)
1965/66 Ludwig Club Dates rewrapped in Black Diamond Pearl (12/15/20)
Posted on 12 years ago
#7
Posts: 123 Threads: 21

From section2

Good call! Lars did play a white Tama double-bass kit in the early 90s. It wasn't a Swingstar--he had his own signature line--but for a tribute band, this would be close enough.I had a white Swingstar kit before I got my Gretsch set. It definitely wasn't a pro-quality kit, but it was a step up from the MIT kit that I started out with, and it served me well as a beginner. With the bottom heads removed, you can get that Phil Collins "barking" concert tom sound, which is a pretty cool sound if that's your thing.Certainly this would be a good kit for a young drummer learning the ropes, or for any prog or metal drummer looking for a big multi-tom setup.

Lars played Granstars


Fatchoppers
Tama
Ludwig
Posted on 11 years ago
#8
Posts: 919 Threads: 82

Ok, they are not 90's that would have been the Rockstar series. This is a 1984/85 swingstar in the Xtras sizes. Aspen white, red badges 8x8,9x10,11x12,12x13,toms 16x16,16x18 floortoms 16x22 kicks.

It is an introductory kit, made in Japan. These were FAR superior to most starter sets of the day. Fully glued wrap, luan sealed shells. My only gripe is 8 lug bass drums.

Btw "power toms" can be used in any kind of music, swingstar a were also available in standard sizes (8x12,9x13 ect)

This set looks like a double bass 7pc with the 8"&10" add on Tom set. Notice the badges without breathers on the 8&10"

I like Drums...
1963 Ludwig Downbeat Champagne Sparkle
1964 Leedy (Slingerland) Blue n Silver Duco
1964 Ludwig Club Date Sparkling Silver Pearl
1966 Ludwig Super Classic Sparkling Silver Pearl
1968 Gretsch round badge modern jazz orange stain
1972 Slingerland 85N Pop outfit Light Blue Pearl
1976 Ludwig Vistalite clear
1981 Gretsch SSB Gran Prix Rosewood
1987 Yamaha Turbo Tour Custom Mellow Yellow
1991 Pearl Export Ferrari Red
Posted on 11 years ago
#9
Posts: 1 Threads: 0

From MIKEY777

Doug, Your set is from the 90's not 80's the 80's drums would have the pointy lugs on them.Also by the tom size they look to be the power tom size 2" deeper....Not to much unique at all very common Tama set..if the cymbals are top of the line Zild's or something along these lines your set may sell for 600.00 to 700.00 on ebay...Mikey

I'm sorry but this is incorrect. I have the exact same drumkit but with more shallow toms. They are from the mid eighties, probably 1984-1986. Colour is Aspen White. Mine sound really good, better than all other I've heard in this price range, and definitely not to mix up with later and contemporary Swingstars, they are not at all as good I think.

For further info, check out the archived catalogues: http://www.tamadrum.co.jp/anniversary/list.php?era=80&p=2

Posted on 10 years ago
#10
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