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Should I buy this Tama superstar?

Posts: 473 Threads: 64

Hi guys. I need your help.

This Tama is for sale and I don't know much about this kits. The seller says it is a 80's Tama Superstar and is asking for 350 euro (~390 usd).

First of all, is this a Superstar? Any ideia about the year and value?

As far as I know, superstars didn't have this finish, maybe it was painted. I'm sure some of you can tell me more about it.

I would like to have a kit with thin shells, reinforcement rings and internal mufflers. A wood finish kit is welcome, so if you're sure this was painted over the lacquer please tell me. :)

Cheers.

Posted on 8 years ago
#1
Posts: 404 Threads: 23

Assuming it hasn't been doctored, the right mounted tom's first-generation muffler would indicate a date no later than 1980. Hard to tell regarding the finish, but my 1977 9600 series natural walnut satin finish is nowhere near that dark. Looks painted over to me. However the tama archive catalog does show 'custom black' as a finish option for 9600 series. The floor tom leg used for a kick spur is a novel twist!

If it's a rering 9600, then my opinion is it's worth the price, even if a refinish is needed.

Regards

John

John/Levelpebble

Tama Superstar 81 Aqua bop
Rogers Cleveland BDP (x2), Silver bop, Champagne, Black/Gold Duco, WMP, Blue sparkle; Dayton Red Onyx;
Camco Oaklawn 12 14 20 5x14 Tuxedo WMP
LW 59 SC Blue Sparkle, WMP
WFL Gold Sparkle SC, WMP Compacto
Gretsch 49/50 Broadkaster WMP
Fibes Copper Forte
Remo MasterEdge Bop, Gold Crown, Mondo
Slingerland Conway Black Satin
70's MIJ Del Ray, my first and fav ok I'm lying here
Way Too Many Snares, She Says
Posted on 8 years ago
#2
Posts: 473 Threads: 64

From levelpebble

Assuming it hasn't been doctored, the right mounted tom's first-generation muffler would indicate a date no later than 1980. Hard to tell regarding the finish, but my 1977 9600 series natural walnut satin finish is nowhere near that dark. Looks painted over to me. However the tama archive catalog does show 'custom black' as a finish option for 9600 series. The floor tom leg used for a kick spur is a novel twist!If it's a rering 9600, then my opinion is it's worth the price, even if a refinish is needed. RegardsJohn

The seller answered me and told that the original finish before painting was black. He painted it in two phases: primary painting and then the color painting.

He said the interiors look like were painted by previous owner.

I'm waiting for more pictres, including photos of interiors and ther badges.

Should I ask for some particular photo or information?

Posted on 8 years ago
#3
Posts: 473 Threads: 64

From levelpebble

Assuming it hasn't been doctored, the right mounted tom's first-generation muffler would indicate a date no later than 1980. Hard to tell regarding the finish, but my 1977 9600 series natural walnut satin finish is nowhere near that dark. Looks painted over to me. However the tama archive catalog does show 'custom black' as a finish option for 9600 series. The floor tom leg used for a kick spur is a novel twist!If it's a rering 9600, then my opinion is it's worth the price, even if a refinish is needed. RegardsJohn

Almost forgot... The first generation swingstars have the bass drum hole at center, instead of the second generation have the hole off center. I saw pictures of superstars with this two types of bass drum.

Posted on 8 years ago
#4
Posts: 473 Threads: 64

He sent me more photos. Check it out bellow:

[IMG]http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/y341/joaojanina/superstar_bass02_zpsijgvkaap.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/y341/joaojanina/superstar_bass_zpsd1wpuqh9.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/y341/joaojanina/superstar_tom_zpsxp1sztk5.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/y341/joaojanina/superstar_tom2_zpsujzixjvq.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/y341/joaojanina/superstar_tom3_zpsfmuoslwt.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/y341/joaojanina/superstar_paint_zps1z2couic.jpg[/IMG]

Posted on 8 years ago
#5
Posts: 473 Threads: 64

continues ...

[IMG]http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/y341/joaojanina/superstar_bass03_zpsunshavgc.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/y341/joaojanina/superstar_paint02_zpsiysvj32b.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/y341/joaojanina/superstar2_zpszjsf89pd.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/y341/joaojanina/superstar_zpslr5eshxe.jpg[/IMG]

Posted on 8 years ago
#6
Posts: 25 Threads: 7

Superstars are very nice drums; it looks "ok" but it's pretty knocked about (see the chrome in those pics). Even if the shells have been refinished, personally I wouldn't pay EUR 350, I would say EUR 275 at best, but that's me - you should pay what it's worth to you (as long as it's not an investment!). Best of luck whatever you do though.

Posted on 8 years ago
#7
Posts: 473 Threads: 64

From DougTheDrum

Superstars are very nice drums; it looks "ok" but it's pretty knocked about (see the chrome in those pics). Even if the shells have been refinished, personally I wouldn't pay EUR 350, I would say EUR 275 at best, but that's me - you should pay what it's worth to you (as long as it's not an investment!). Best of luck whatever you do though.

I just read your comment today, I bought it for eur 270 yesterday.

It came with a royalstar bass drum, another Tama 12" tom, bass drum pedal, hihat stand, cymbal stand, replacement hoops, replacement floor tom legs, replacement new tension rods, Tama starclassic tom holder.

I needed lugs and hoops for a '82 Tama swingstar. The hardware that cames in the Royalstar bass drum is in good condition and the inlays have the same finish, so I can use them to restore the swingstar.

Posted on 8 years ago
#8
Posts: 5550 Threads: 576

Now go play them enjoy

April 2nd 1969 scarfed pink champagne holly wood and 65/66 downbeat snare, and , supra same year very minty kit old pies
66/67 downbeat with canister
Super 400 small round knob
1967 super classic obp





once the brass ceases to glitter, and the drum looses its luster, and the stage remains dark, all you have left is the timbre of family.
Posted on 8 years ago
#9
Posts: 473 Threads: 64

From jaghog

Now go play them enjoy

I will test it first just to enjoy before start the restoration project. The previous owner tried to restore it and keep the finish close to the original, he didn't have success. He said that the original finish was black, like Black Piano (see the pictures in my previous post). The paint job he did is not so good, so I'll change it.

I'm thinking in two possibilities:

*Use sand paper and paint it black (gloss)

*Remove all the paint and let the wood finish, with natural wax to protect the wood.

Please leave your opinion bellow. Cheers

Posted on 8 years ago
#10
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