Nice summary. The only glaring mistake is the Ludwig part. The family was not in charge or in a power position at that point. A couple of tomes bears this out. Otherwise, pretty cool stuff.

Wow, that was quite an overview, gives quite a bit of perspective. Thanks, John.

But now, at this point, I would just like to sort out the defining features that can positively identify a Star or Pearl MIJ set (pre-Taiwanese, please.) Specifically; badges, lugs, mounting hardware, snare throws, shell construction (plys, re-rings, interior paint), etc. I.e.; this badge indicates that this set was made by Star, these lugs indicate that this set was made by Pearl, and so on.

Once we have sorted out who used what, we can then have a more meaningful discussion comparing and contrasting the differences.

I have done such an overview for Star only, but this table sheet is much too big for attachments here ...

You may find further information especially for Star here:

http://www.vintagedrumforum.com/showthread.php?t=9404

and Star badges here:

http://www.vintagedrumforum.com/showthread.php?t=10630

Ralf

NB: refering to the two pics with the rail consolettes: the left one can't be original Star, as Star did not use the L-arm mount. That started later, when Star had become Tama. Doubtlessly it's a modification.

The holes in the shell say the same: there had been another type of tom bracket before ...

Ok, so then can we conclusively say that MIJ stencils kits (pre-Tama) with L arm tom mounts are Pearl made? If so, that is very helpful. However, didn't some Pearl sets come with the Slingerland type tom mounts as well? And aren't these nearly indistinguishable from Star's tom mounts?

Ahhh..I did not know they had let it go by then, I honestly thought it came later...

Wow, great discussion- but to add that in an "unidentified MIJ drum" you have to remember there were other makers- notably TEISCO who also made the Del Rey brand and as I found out recently- Hoshino (not Star) - these two made plenty of kits ( possibly unbranded) that hit the market as well. So, I agree think and rule out Pearl and Star first but remember these other makers could be a possibility.

The strangest ones for me are the "no badge" kits- nothing, nada, zilch. Nice drums, obviously a 60s MIJ and no badges at all- just an air vent. Since it was such a badge eat badge world at the time I wonder why some had none?

I don't know, but I have one in WMP that is spread about the house getting all new and fresh again right now...As soon as it is ready for the prom, I will get some portraits made.

And I really think Tiesco is a distributor, not a builder. And really, I think there was a seperate foundry that made a lot of the early pot metal parts and sold willy-nilly to everyone, that's why there appears to be so much cross over of lugs early on. But I am not certainof that, just a nagging little brain-****.

About Teisco, I`ll try to find out more- there is a cult following here in Japan. They made the phunkiest wraps of all- very fun looking drums.

I agree with your ideas.

Hey Osaka, Did one of the Hoshino groups turn to Yamaha? There were, from some searching, two companies that had Hoshino in the name. What can you tell us about them? Hoshino Gaki, and Hoshino ???????

Hey Jonni, Nikkan turned into Yamaha and Hoshino possibly went into Kawai Music LTD. As RALF knows all too well - this Hoshino I am mentioning is not the STAR/Hoshino that became Tama.Sumo Dude