Any Pearl or Star made set in rare color's from the 60's.Any set with a 18" bass drum is any finish.But the rarest set to come by is from the 70's Star pre-Tama Vistalite set i have only seem one it was a Morris set in clear and that was 30+ years ago.....Mikey

Majestic kits with offset lugs. No, these are not ultra-rare, but as far as I know, these are the only stencil kit with offset lugs. Star (Star badged) is not technically a stencil - and these too pop up on occasion with offset lugs.

Also, any Stencil with 10/20 lug BDs as well as 8-lug 12 or 13 inch toms. rare, but they are out there, as Mikey can attest to. Crown comes to mind....they tend to be nice MIJs.

Hope these tidbits of info help ya. I may not be entirely right on all my suggestions - but that is what I understand....corrections......um, I mean learning is welcome!

BTW - it is a matter of preference, but in terms of sound, the 3 ply MIJs with re-rings tend to have fuller tone with nice low-end. If sound matters to you, I would make that a preference.

jonnistix would be good to consult on this, and surprised he has not piped in already......not seen him on here lately as a matter of fact.

John

Early Yamaha kits are fairly rare and very good quality. And they do some nice finishes too.

Opps! ya Tom your right, what was I thinking. So pretty rare you say? I almost forgot I had it until I was browsing threw my pics for this thread. I think I paid 70 for it along with a Ludwg b/o hardshell case.

Jeff C

Here is a good example - as a matter of fact, I recognize this kit and know that this guy is on our forum.

This is a beauty - wish I could snag these up whenever I discover such gems......

http://nh.craigslist.org/msg/3422136939.html

ive got two mid 60's pearl snares that i bought strictly because i loved the wrap and the very cool badges. they both turned out to be fine drums. the chrome on the yellow-gold snare is some of the best that ive seen. they sound superb. i have not detailed either one of these. in fact, these were the sellers pics...i'd love to own a complete kit in that red rose color,or whatever it is called.

mike

A few more things to look for.Any 60s or 70's 10 lug snare drums with wood shell's.These are rare.If i was you i would look on the forum under M.I.J. badge's you will see the year's of the badge's and photo's make a copy of the page's and take them with you on your trip......Mikey

All good stuff.

I know a bit about what to look for as far as quality of build and fit and finish.

The specific stuff like candy swirl wraps and off set lugs is the stuff I'm most concerned with.

Agreed on the old yamahas.

What about old Tamas. what are the ones to watch for?

Here in the north atlantic region you find a lot of Yamaha(usually 80's and occasionally older), Tama, Pearl, Coronet, Supreme, Star, Stewart and occasionally some others(I think I may have a set of Gracy's in the shop)

Always looking for 3 ply w. rings or COB and 10 lug snares.

Some of these pieces I'm looking to acquire are not so much inventory for sale as show pieces for the shop.

Great timing! That pic of sparkle blue Stewarts brings me back to Christmas day 1977. My fist drum kit!!! As for value...sentimental ;)

Here is another good example. Not sure if it is the BEST example, but certaainly something to consider.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=271127327708&fromMakeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:en

Note the wrap is in excellent condition. The die-cast hoops may or may not be original (time for some research!). Matching wrapped snare. This is one of those 3ply with re-rings I believe. These will sing all day long, be easy to tune, and will have a nice full sound with plenty of fat bottom end. Not sure where you are going, but Pitt may be within your route?? Cool that this club style kit has a matching FT, many are not matching as some did not come with them in those days.

Perhaps someone else may be able to shed some light on these "St. George of Hollywood". I honestly am not sure if this is Star or Pearl.....perhaps the BD claws will indicate and maybe the lugs.

John