Ugh, after posting I thought that maybe I'd better search "HOSHINO" on this site and there appears to be some info. Sorry about that. Some questions remain, but from what I gather, at least in some folks experience, the shells are sub par, or sub sub par.

Bring on the opinions if you have any.

As far as i´ve been told, Hoshino Drums were Beginnerset and the shells were not very good, also the hardware of the shells is poor. Never had one myself, but thats what that Vintage Gurus told me!

Depends for what you need it, as a starterset for students for a 100 bucks i think it´s ok!

regards

Thanks ChristianB,

Well, i've been looking for a decent smaller kit that I could use. Project kit, but if the hardware and shells are lower quality then I will walk away from this thought.

My first kit had a 20" bass drum (stencil kit). My 3rd kit was a Ludwig Club Date (champagne sparkle) with a 20" bass drum. I feel i'm a 20" bass drum sort of guy and am looking for fulfill this want eventually. Nothing wrong with my Tama Rockstar Custom kit, in fact I love it and the 22" bass drum is gorgeous, but ... ya know how these things are.

-Doug

You´re welcome!

Fact is, that every Drummer has his own thoughts about all the things in the drum world...thats the way it is buddy;-)

When you want a decent MIJ try and go for a Star...they are normaly very cool sets and exellent for projects as well;.-)

Interestingly enough, just found out that that set was sold. Makes the decision even easier.

I have never seen a Star set around my locale but will keep my eyes open.

Well, thanks Christian for a " + " on Star drums. Some other kits of Pearl may also be satisfying.

To start with, a MIJ kit from the 60's to 70's may be a good choice generally (if it's in good condition).

@shortyedwards: you may have a look at my website for a first touch with Star drums (and it's stncil brands). Enjoy!

Ralf

No Problem Ralf! Star became TAMA so there you can see...they are good Drums:-)

Here some pic of my Starset, just to give you an idea:-) Cool1

Golly! That Star wrap is exquisite!

As much as Ralf loves Stars, I think he will agree with me when I say that there are drawbacks to Stars:

Quite a lot of the lugs are very brittle by now, so utmost care has be taken when removing/refitting them.

The shells are generally nice, though.

As regards Hoshinos - the lugs are solid as the best available. On the other hand, the shells are not especially good, being thick luan shells. They are usually round, but the edges are often not so well machined - something that is relatively easily remedied by sanding. If you have a router-table it is even easier. They will make a nice, soft and warm sound - not totally unlike and old Ludwig - but with a lot less volume.

And some Hoshino came in nice Pearls.

But Hoshinos were very cheap drums when new, and I would only spend the cheapest taiwanese wraps on them. And only if they were otherwise complete and very, very cheap.

Mind you, good heads are not cheap either, and will cost the same on a better kit. If you would like an old kit with the style that comes with them - I would suggest you find a cheap Premier kit if you are in the UK or a cheap Slingerland/Ludwig if you are in the US.

Any money spent on those will be easier to recoup in a later sale, should you want to do that - and they will sound a lot better.....

Cheap japanese drums are the best deal if found in complete form, needing only cleaning and handywork like edges and so on.

I think....

Regards

Jon