The cordia's are not that common to my knowledge. Most sets I've seen were not cheap

The Cordia drums are usually the Artstar series drums. These are definitely Superstar shells. One other point to mention...the interiors are stained birch, not Cordia veneers to match the outside. I've only seen Superstars with this finish mentioned a couple times online, and mostly people commenting, saying things like, "Huh...yeah, uh, those are rare." with nothing more specific to offer.

Post some pix, please.

Are you sure they are original?

There is nothing that any pics would add to this discussion. As much as I enjoy drum **** as well, I am unable to post pics at the moment. When I get the drums reheaded and set up, I'll borrow a friend's camera and put some up.

Yes. I have had the opportunity to check out some original Superstars close up (to compare bearing edges and original badge grommets) and a set of Artstars (to compare the finishes, and compare how the finishes meet the edges). It would appear that it is either completely original or a meticulously-crafted fabrication.

If the badges say superstar,then it's possible that it was a made for Japan only kit.There are also superstars out there in a tequila sunrise ,3 color finish,that were only in the Japanese catalogs,but I understand that some kits made it to Europe and Canada.I've only seen pics of those on the Tama forum.

Tama wasn't beyond making limited runs of some kits or snare drums.I have an 6.5x8 Tama superstar tom,double headed,with off set lugs,and a muffler,with a "flying T" badge.The reso and batter side bearing edges are also factory and stained the same color as the interior.If this drum was a converted concert tom,it would have the rectangular badge,not a "flying T badge and factory grommet,and the reso side bearing edges would not have stain.The one touch muffler shouldn't be there either.

Tama,it seems was the Asian equivelant of Ludwig,and did some off the radar stuff back in the day.

Steve B

Thanks for the reply, Steve! Yeah, I figured as much that Tama did some "not in the catalog" kits/configurations/finishes. The whole idea of them releasing something in Japan and not in the U.S. intrigues me. I saw that tequila sunrise stain Tama kit before...VERY cool!

Quite honestly, I'm at a dead end...I've exhausted all possible research routes for the Superstars in Cordia finish. I guess this is my final push here...anybody have any more information about them? Anything about a limited edition run? An artist who had a custom kit like this? Any tales of Artstar shells that mysteriously ended up being released as Superstars? Links to an obscure site on the topic? Anything?

There is some very scetchy info on the Tama forum concerning undocumented superstar drums,which hints at special limited runs of drums having a veneer other that the cataloged lacquer finishes.So there is little doubt that your supes are the real Mcoy

http://forum.tama.com/Default.aspx?g=posts&t=11414

Steve B

First, I made one exactly as you say - by concerting a concert tom.

Then, I saw a video with Brian Downey of Thin Lizzy on a Superstar kit with eaxctly what you describe - an 8x6½" with offset lugs and T-badge....

Jon