Kent drums we're actually built in New York State, weren't they? Kind of the American Motors of the drum world next to the Big 3!:)

They went out of business in 77, so I don't think they ever became a Japanese spinoff brand.

Nice pick-up. What are your plans for them?

Yes you are right Kent was made in N.Y. Kenmore that is.

My plans for the drums one iam keeping it my first Kent marching snare ,two iam selling, One will give away to any member that helps with the pick-up shipping 3 of the drums to me....I pay gas,and shipping cost...

Mikey777

Where are they? Ill help if i can.

Toward the end of the company they stopped making drums and imported a Tama product that was sold under their name. They are actually quite decent drums although the hardware was prone to stripping. The originals, made in Kenmore NY, had much better, simple but functional and sturdy, lugs and brackets. The hoops are kind of lightweight though. The shells were constructed of maple. Some three ply and thin. They are quite good although sometimes sloppy gluing and inconsistent bearing edges.

I sold Steve Jordan a Kent snare once......along with a 60s Ludwig 18-12-14 set....

Haha, that's why I called Kent drums the American Motors of the drum world.

For those that remember American Motors, they made a decent car, but there quality and attention to detail was spotty as well and they never we're able to perfect some really innovative ideas that they had, so they went OOB. They were never able to truly compete with "the Big 3", and are now pretty much forgotten, just like Kent.

Those are in really great condition! I have a 6-lug Kent snare from the blue badge era that has a low, funky tone. The shells were typically 1 piece of maple wrapped twice and glued. Mine still has pencil marks and glue drips on the inside of the shell - cool mojo. I have an iNde strainer on there right now but would be interested in having a period-correct part on there. Please PM me if you're interested in selling one of the strainers, or perhaps trading for something.

I believe Kent was started by two brothers, one of whom used to work for Gretsch. Nice score on these!