Hi ardrummer!

Ruether is just another of dozens of stencil kits. I believe your kit is from the early 70's, made by Pearl and most likely from Japan, not Taiwan. I'm sure others will correct me if I am mistaken!

-Mark

I would say mid-70's from Taiwan. Very similar to CB 700 kits MIT from that day. Same lugs, Swiv-O copy tom holders. I assume the interior wood on the shell is dark, vertical grain Luan?

Yes, it is vertical luan. Are the Taiwan an different quality wise compared to Japan?

Thanks for the correction on where they were made. I had a feeling it might be Taiwan, but went with Japan!

-Mark

The only reason I even thought Taiwan was a possibility was because the rims have a Taiwan stamp on them...I was thinking Japan too

Here are some new pics after I cleaned it up and got some new heads etc.

That snare is the same as my favorite snare! I have a few of those heavy steel shelled models from Pearl, and a stencil from Continental. The Continental is like that-8 lug w/battleship lugs. You play the middle and it's relatively dry, play the edge, a lot of "Clank".

Cool! I actually got this snare off of goodwill online. Got it, a case and stand for about $40 total.

This kit has alot of character! I see you have a CX-500 Ride, the vinty 70s snare (a bit earlier than the rest of the kit) Stencil CB700 crash on the right (I believe Pearl made this as well), Stencil kit itself.....just alot of cool gear! The kit itself sure looks great compared to when you brought it home. You clean it up and complete it with heads/rims top and bottom, give her some flair (cymbals) and it looks great!