I can safely say that Session drums were in no way the same as Exports, and have always been steps above. By the '90s Exports were using lesser woods, where as Session were generally Maple or Birch ( Some years they made blends, but that came later on ) I have a session Maple kit from late '90s / early '00s and they are top of the line. That is a Pro kit, and for a good price.

I know that some lines had one inner Ply of Luaun between inner and outer plies of Maple. But these have always been ( IMHO ) steps above Exports. I've had exports from the '90s and they just do not compare.

Thanks for the response ARCHxANGEL. As i suspected, i stand corrected, or maybe the guys who stated that exports were a step below these drums stand corrected ! LOL !.. In any case, it's good deal, but if i bring another drum kit home, my wife will have my cojones on a platter !!Hurting

LOL. I know that when the Exports were made in Japan they were of higher quality, same as the Tama Swingstars. But once they moved production to Taiwan their quality level went down. Though what's interesting is the Session lines were also made in Taiwan, but you can tell the difference in production. Better hardware, heavier shells, overall just better construction.

That kit was probably $600 new,given it's shape $280 is a bit high unless it's in Canadian $.

I was under the impression that the Export and World Series (later the session series) were both made in Taiwan, hence the name.

The world and session just had Japanese shells (mahogany with birch inner and outer plys), 10 lug bass drums, pro Spurs, floor tom legs and double braced hardware.