Duke - a new alias name for Star (to me).
I love that 'satin flame' finish with is a copy to Gretsch, as far as I recall.
It is rare, too, that obviously the first buyer ordered the second rack tom to this set - or maybe he added it later (as the damper is on the opposite side due to mounting it on the 'wrong' side of the rail consolette).
To my opinion these satin flame finishes are much more spectacular then any sparkle wrap if illuminated in spotlights!
Ralf
Well, sign me up! Dual tension would be an awesome feature on any snare drum. I just haven't seen this piece on a MIJ before. I wonder if there is a system that could fit the existing holes for a standard snare butt. (Might be something to look into for my Apollo snare.) Plus, anything to help with the finicky, not-so-stellar MIJ strainers would be fantastic.
....I have two...a steely and a woody, both Star....
Duke - a new alias name for Star (to me).I love that 'satin flame' finish with is a copy to Gretsch, as far as I recall. It is rare, too, that obviously the first buyer ordered the second rack tom to this set - or maybe he added it later (as the damper is on the opposite side due to mounting it on the 'wrong' side of the rail consolette). To my opinion these satin flame finishes are much more spectacular then any sparkle wrap if illuminated in spotlights! Ralf
My Majestic has both toms on the oversized consolette.
Good call on the Cymbals guys. Looks like there are some original flat base cymbal stands too. Also, I notice that the bass drum has a mount for a cymbal L arm. Pretty sweet.
Won't be able to get up to grab em till Monday. Hoping she will hold on to them for me till then. We will see. CL is a crazy world.
-Ad
Nice! She is holding them for me. I will see whats what, clean em up, and get some pics up asap.
-Ad
Cool!And congrats on that, it is a good deal, 225 for all that...and many dealers back then sold the Ludwig 1123-1 "Ringo" hi-hat with them. Mine came with it, hope yours does, because that makes the whole deal really sweet.
And congrats on your first vintage MIJ kit, and all the sweeter as a complete package. My son's Majestics came complete, with the exception of the low end cymbals, they are Paiste Stanople hats a sizzle ride, minus the rivetsz. Cool kit, and cool wrap, since it appears intact and not all scratched up.
Totally! I think it is a great 1st MIJ kit for sure...and I don't own any other Satin Flame kits so I am excited! The shells look pretty nice. Typical scratches for a Satin Flame, but definitely better than average. I am stoked about the Slingerland "Tempo King" bass drum pedal as well. I already have a blue "AA" model from that era, so they will make a nice pair.
The hi-hats are actually "Ludwig Standard" by Paiste. The other two cymbals are "Kingston". Not sure what you meant by the "Ringo Hi-Hat"?
The hi-hat stand is a 90's Tama. Will probably flip that...already have one. What is your opinion on the Ludwig Standard cymbals? I hear the Swiss ones are nicer than the German ones. I think these must be German.
I am stoked to pick up the kit. Will probably only use one 12 when I play it, but I guess it never hurts to have an extra. Do you think it originally came with two toms? They are both badged the same and there is a L rod cymbal mount on the bass drum so I assume no. If they came together you would think the 2nd one would be badged opposite so both badges face the crowd.
Thanks for the advice so far!
-Adam
I am guessing that it did originally come with the 2 rack toms. 2 12s was an option at the time (although I have to admit, I dont understand why it would be good to have 2 of the same size rack toms. Was there some notable drummer that used that set up?) Also, the probable reason the badges are in the same place is that they were made for a 1 rack tom set up, but the 'wrong' drum was added and the placement of the badge was a minor detail that it wasn't cost effecient to fix. On my Apollo WMP 5 piece, the 13 has the badge facing outward ('correctly.')
Also, I wanted to mention that the fold up bass drum spurs are my favorite MIJ design. They work much better than the standard BD spurs. They are a nice touch.
Yes, it came with, that is the reason for the extra long "hot dog" and no, they did not think that far in advance, remember, they are MIJ, no frills, and if they are the 6 ply shells, as they appear to be, maybe that floor tom is a 3 ply, that would be a score, as they are really great sounding when you work over the edges, and give it a Gretsch contour. If all 6 ply, you may want to just smooth them because the factory edges are really rough. Smooth them with 220 and maybe treat them with your favorite edge "wax" or whatever you use for them. I changed mine to a little softer contour and they sing out
The reason for the twin toms is the same as Slingerland and Luwig, tune one high the other low. The early Ludwig Hollywood has twin 12s, and so did a rogers kit, and a Slingerland, from my recollection.
One more thing about the hoop on the FT, it may cause some funkiness. If you try everyting and don't get the sound right, try replacing it with a 2mm hoop.
Thanks for the insights guys!
Couple more questions for you guys:
What is this "Ringo Hi-Hat" you mentioned earlier Jonni?
Also, what year do you think they were made?
Thanks again for all the help and insight so far!
-Adam
