Hey JimmySticks!

You need to keep in mind that all these dozens of names were usually from US distributors. Hard to say how they came up with these names! I have the "Vintage Stencil Drums" book, by Marc Patch. For the majority of these names, there is a notation as to who produced them...Hoshino, Pearl or Star. In the case of Norma drums, there is only a question mark (?), which means there is no definitive answer as to what company produced them. There were even times when one company would fulfill an order from another! This is also the explanation as to why one stencil brand has hardware from two or three different manufactures. The bottom line is that the US wanted in on these inexpensive alternatives to the more expensive offering by US manufacturers.

Attached is a picture of my MIJ snare drum collection in my "drum room". Four of the drums are more modern, but there are 17 true MIJ snare drums, with the following names:

Majestic, Lido Supreme, "Made In Japan", Lyra, St. George, Star, Crown, Revelle, Recco, Karen, Musketeer, Mitchell and a few "no name" drums! I'm sure there's a story behind each one as to how the name was chosen!

-Mark

Thanks Mark, good info!

Yeah, I have to figure it was American distributors and marketers that named these kits. I don't picture Japanese companies or executives knowing anything about the regal American/British style names that were given these drums.

In my research, I did come across a company named Teisco, a Japanese company that built all kinds of instruments, that looks as though it produced and exported both Norma and Del Rey drum kits to the US. Google the company, and the Norma name is there. The Del Rey badge is way-cool by the way!

I think the mystery is solved now! I kind of wish they had the pedigree of Star or Pearl, but thats just vanity speaking. I don't think it effects the value, since all MIJs seem equally priced. Now I just have to find out who Norma is!

Hi Mark,

Beautiful display of beautiful snares! If you ever consider parting with the Fantasia Pearl snare please let me know. I'm elbows deep this summer in the resto of a Lido Supreme double bass kit in that wrap. A matching snare would be too cool. I have a Dixie MIJ snare to trade in a really neat blue ( like Ludwig bowing ball with silver pearl mixed in) wrap that would take it's place nicely in your collection. PM me if at all interested...I figured it can't hurt to ask!

AL