Ralf is THE Star expert. Check out his site dedicated to them:

- http://www.star-drums.de/

My guess is those are early 70's, given the thicker shells. As others have mentioned, that black paint is not factory. However, it isn't uncommon for some vintage MIJ owners to paint, or seal the interior of the shells.

That wrap could be Tiger Pearl, looks faded...who be cool to see it after some treatment. I own a Star Tiger Pearl kit, mine has 3 ply shells with re-rings.

Cool kit, well worth putting time and energy into restoring it. Very cool all badges are present.

Cheers.

I will say I have NEVER EVER seen a 10 lug Star bas drum.

My Star acrylic kit has a 10 lug bass drum.

thanks for all the input guys. Appreciated. Can't wait to receive these drums.

I wonder if we here on the east coast never had access to higher-end Star drums. I spent a lot of time in music stores and all I ever saw was entry level Star drums prior to the switch to Tama. And at that it was usually their stencils like Ralston or Stewart.

Hello,

Here you can find one (it's not the only one - but some of the 'better' Star kits used to have that):

http://www.tamadrum.co.jp/anniversary/expansion.php?cat_id=8&now=3

;)

That's interesting.

Your explanation makes sense: Entering the market with budget drums and switching to higher quality lateron, when the brand name was established.

Cheers, Ralf

Good score. Make sure to tell the seller not to send that stupidly huge, tone-killing blanket inside the bass drum, which is unnecessary and will add considerable weight to the shipping box. A pre-muffled batter head like an Evans EMAD, and one of their specially-made pillows against the resonant head will give you all the muffling you'll need. I can't believe people still stuff blankets inside bass drums, killing the natural tone and making the drum sound like a cardboard box.

The shells arrived today - they are really in extraordinary condition and should clean up very nicely. The bearing edges are perfect and except for the discoloration, the wraps are in perfect condition. I think that the hoops are replacements as they are wood with no inlay.

PS: What is the best product to use to polish / clean the wrap?

Here's a shell pic:

I would wipe down the shells with a damp, lint free cloth to remove any loose dirt and grime...Then use Novus 2 followed by Novus 1...I think you would be happy with the results...

Nice set BTW!!

Cheers

Very cool. Yeah, they should clean up very nice. Agree with gran, Novus 2, then 1. They'll look like new.

Your bass hoops might actually be original. My Star kit has original wood BD hoops with inlays. It's not uncommon for vintage MIJ BD hoops to be wood, or missing the inlays. I have a Raven kit I'm currently restoring, and it's missing an inlay. One way to know for sure, if the wood is quite soft, its original. Luan factor.

Cheers.