Yes sirree, all of these early Star and Pearl 3 ply drums sound like this. And you are correct, this type of shell construction is the boominest, lowest toned sound you can get, they are simply amazing i there tone. The bass drums are without equal as far as the low, resonant boom goes. Many drummers gop through their careers turning their noses up at these "fire hazards" and think their "insert brand" sounds like thunder....but when we tell them how great, they tell us we have damaged brains and ears...hehehe let 'em think what they will....
I have spent a couple more hours on the snare today. Started all over with the tuning. I have it tuned pretty close, changed the wires, this snare has a lot of RING to it. Did not realize how bad it was until my son was on the kit and I heard it from the other room (ringing over tones big time) Well Jonni, what is those 2 WORDS you mentioned in a earlier post?