Jasper made the 6 ply maple shells for Camco in 1970-71 built in Oak Lawn and in Chanute Kansas when Kustom owned Camco from 1971-73.

Keller made the 6ply maple shells during the L.A. era Camco from 1973-79.

L.A. Camco shells are some of the best built shells ever made but I still prefer the tone of a 60's 4 ply Camco (Jasper made).

What about the shells when Tama took over in the late 70,s?..thx for that info btw.

It all depends on which 'Camco By Tama' kit you're looking at. The original series have a weird keyhole style lug, and are quite good shells. The later, with the Tama lugs are pretty much a Tama 'Rockstar' with a different badge. I've heard the original ones I mentioned were made from left over shells actually from Camco. However, I've never seen one close up enough to find out.

For me Camco ends in 1978 just as George Way drums ended in 1961. Nothing wrong with Tama Camco or Dunnett George Way but it's just not the same IMO.

A lot of people like the pre L.A. shells better.I think the Camco shell went from 4 ply and I have heard 5 ply to 6ply.I also think that the bearing edge changed,I have seen a few L.A. kits and the edge looked a lot like my 67 Rogers,and the one kit I played sounded a lot like them.The L.A. shells I saw looked to be finished well,nice looking maple ints,nice opaque laquer and the seams were smooth and flush.

They went from 4 ply to 6 ply. Occasionally you can find a 3 ply. I have one 5x14 Tuxedo snare in burgundy sparkle that is a 3 ply shell. The bearing edge on L.A. Camco shells are far different from any thing else I've ever seen. The edge is centered and the diameter is greatly undersized even by todays standards.