I don't know if I would call a mit Tama a "real" Tama.

Definitely a low end drum.

Hmmm...so you don't think that you would call a Tama, made in Taiwan, a "real" Tama. Following through with your preferential logic, would you consider a Chinese made Ludwig a "real" Ludwig? Would all Chinese Ludwigs be classified as "low end"? I read that you call your home "The Republic of Newfoundland". How coincidental! I'm sure that you must be aware that Taiwan is ruled by The Republic of China.

lol. I know. and North Korea has "democratic" in their official name.

France and the U.S. are republics as well I believe.

Anyway, what I mean by that is "Tama" to me is a Japanese made drum, just as Pearl is a Japanese drum.

This distinction does not indicate quality necessarily, although it often does.

Are import made products inferior.

Definately not if they are executed well. Mapex is a prime example.

In fact, KHS is an OEM manufacturer for many famous brands but lets not kid ourselves here, in the grand scheme of things, the "original" is always considered the real deal, and that goes for drums, guitars, cars, you name it.

The distinction between the home grown product and the outsourced one is there and will ALWAYS be there.

Hey Brian! Hate to burst that bubble, but...TAMA opened a plant in Taiwan in the late 80s-early 90s to do exactly that...keep the doors open on the low end in order to garner future dedication to the brand...as all instrument makers must do...

Sigh...

Yeah, I know that you're right guys. Thanks for the information. It's just that I have great affection for just about any drum. Two years ago, I nearly bought a hollowed out section of a tree (with a Remo head fitted with lugs and t-rods on top) from Mexoico! Jeez, I wish I'd bought that!

Brian

Gentlemen:

I've been mulling over your responses for several days. I really do appreciate your input and can certainly understand what you are saying.At the onset, I only wanted to find out when Tama began outsourcing. Thanks, John for clarifying. You know how much I appreciate your expertise. Holliwood, you have some excellent points. I see what you are saying and can agree in principal to your valid responses. Why then did I feel almost ashamed to play my tama drum? In the end though, with all due respect, I am going to continue to incorporate my little MIT piccolo into my kit simple because I like the sound and the look of this little drum. I have put too much time and energy into restoring this instrument to put it on the back shelf simply because it was made in Taiwan. I sure wish someone would comment on Chinese Ludwigs though. Are they considered second rate? Thank you, my friends! I'm just venting a bit.

Respectfully,

Brian

Why then did I feel almost ashamed to play my tama drum? [COLOR="Red"]You ABSOLUTELY should not.[/COLOR]

In the end though, with all due respect, I am going to continue to incorporate my little MIT piccolo into my kit simple because I like the sound and the look of this little drum.[COLOR="Red"]and in the end, that's all that matters[/COLOR]

I have put too much time and energy into restoring this instrument to put it on the back shelf simply because it was made in Taiwan.[COLOR="Red"] Nothing wrong with that. I've spent lots of time and effort on similar pursuits.[/COLOR]

I sure wish someone would comment on Chinese Ludwigs though. [COLOR="Red"]Can't comment as I have no experience with these. Ludwig guys?[/COLOR]

Are they considered second rate? [COLOR="Red"]To American Ludwigs? You bet, just ask any Luddy guy BUT, and this is a very important but, that doesn't mean the drum is not worth owning or playing.[/COLOR]

In my opinion there is a large difference between collectable and musical.

Some drums have both, some only one.

I may be stoned for this, but I am a firm believer that a drum's "musical" quality is a factor of design, construction method, materials, and the craftsmanship of the maker, NOT of the label or country of origin or price..

Hey Brian,

I own a Chinese Ludwig, an Epic Modular kit, and it it really well made, the bearing edges are clean, the shells are birch (as opposed to other Ludwig kits made of "select hardwoods") and it sounds great. I wouldn't put it back on the shelf just because of it's origins. I've played badly made luddies from the US that were probably slapped together on a friday afternoon. If your piccolo sounds good to you then enjoy it!

As for outsourcing, I don't know much about Tama, but I can say that Yamaha also seems to do a great job whether Japanese, Taiwanese or Malaysian made.

Also there was another republic (albeit non-recognized) within modern day New Brunswick that has an interesting story:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_of_Madawaska

PS: Holliwood, If you get stoned for your last comment share some of that with me (:

Holliwood and funkypoodle:

Thank you VERY much, guys! I feel a lot better this morning because of your words. I suppose that the world really is becoming a smaller place even when pertaining to the our passion and interest. Anyway, I just want you to know how much I:) appreciate your responses. Thanks again!!!

Brian