Thanx Salty. Never intended to down you or you equipment.

The sword NEVER makes the soldier.

To quote a good friend and mentor, who, by the way was a damn fine drummer(one of the best I've known), "don't worry about what you don't have, play what's in front of you"

That statement has guided me the entire time I've been playing since I heard it.

Just to clarify my "real" Tama comment so everyone doesn't think I'm a gear snob.

I once read an article, on the Tama site I believe, about how they made shells in the old Tama factory. They used molds on a bench and these screw clamps(not unlike pipe expanders), that hung from chains from the ceiling and were lowered into the molds and cranked open.

Any way, they showed how the shells were made 1 ply at a time. The plies were cut on an angle and gently hammered into place by hand with a special wooden block. The shell makers could feel AND hear when the plies were seated perfectly with no voids.

I really liked the process. They made their best shells this way(at least at that time.)

THAT is what I refer to as a "real" Tama.

A hand made drum shell and they are great.(artstars/granstars were made this way I believe)

Holliwood, your friend and mentor was a very wise man. So very true.

That process of making a fine shell is amazing! That is real craftsmanship. I don't think we'll see that kind of personal attention anytime soon. I sure hope I'm wrong though!

My little piccolo is from 1997 and is just COS (PF1325-13). I don't even consider it to be vintage. I do like the way it sounds and looks now though. If you search "Angled Lugs" here on VDF, you'll see my last post about how I remedied this problem. Since the post, I've altered the method just slightly.

Again, thank you for the information. It is really appreciated along with the insightful words of your friend.

Brian

P.S. Hmm...just thinking about the new Tama Stars. They are supposed to be hand-made in Japan and for the price, they just might be!

Those Starclassics really are gorgeous. I've not played them but I do like the "made in Japan" thing. I have zero problem with instruments being imported from all over the world, but I appreciate instruments that are made in a place that has a tradition of fine craftsmanship. Japan has proven they have that.

It gets a tad (more than a tad) worrisome when we get instruments in from all corners of the globe and when you hear things like that which come out of the Cort factories (not to pick on them but only as an example). Not to mention, environmental concerns, etc.

And, while I always support local craftsmen whenever possible I try not to lose sight of the fact that people everwhere need jobs, food and the chance to make a better life for themselves.

I think it is right to ask the questions and be concerned. That's the mark of a conscience! Now enjoy that snare!!

shortyedwards:

I couldn't agree with you more! You, sir have a conscience and a very balanced way of looking at the world. We should be concerned with environmental issues. We should be aware of working conditions throughout this little planet. We should be cognisant of the demise of old-fashioned work ethics and personal pride.

Thank you for the breath of fresh air! I always knew that drummers were brighter than guitarists!

Now I must treat my little piccolo to some Meguiar's Carnauba Wax! It won't help the sound but it sure makes the chrome gleam!

Brian