That sure looks like a faded Walnut Grain to me. The bass/tom hardware does not look like the 60's version, so I would lean towards the 70s.

I forgot to mention - the finish is plastic wrap, that's not real wood on display. the wrap itself is not in perfect condition anymore... a bit wrinkled near the lugs, but generally it's in good shape too. Don't know if it's supposed to be as matte as t is here...

and of course - THANK YOU for a quick reply!

Do you maybe have an idea about the type of wood they used in the shells for those models (665/685, right?)? and how about a market value...?

Well, if the interiors are painted, likely it is the lauan version of the shells, and thus as a 70s kit, the market, depending on where you live, what you have available for drums, vintage or otherwise, they would be worth a bit more than the other MIJ fare. Yamaha always has brought a tad more than the other MIJ kits, so in this condition, I would venture a guess at around 350-400 USD. The wrap is not all that desirable. In these sizes, however, this is a desirable kit, as man would play it in a jazz setting.

well, yep, this was about what I guessed, based on the info I could find.

I purchased it for some 400$ - which included a set of brand new REMO reso heads and the bass drum batter, but again, all the chrome had to be cleaned, and the bearing edges had to be repaired, which I find critically important...

Thanks a lot! It really IS a great sounding kit, no matter what wood it's made of!

Hi!

I have the same drums from the same era, but in red ripple colour.

The drums are made in the early 70:s. 5 plies of birch (I´m told)

and they sound really great. The badge is the second they made.

These drums arethe "pre recording custom"

Hope this makes sence!

Sincerely

Conny, Sweden

Help2

Hi Conny!~ Would you start a thread on your kit, please? I would like to have a good set of pix, first interiors and exteriors, and the hardware. I am compiling MIJ info for the long awaited list of how, what, when and who....as best I can, for the website.

Man, this thread brings back so many memories. My first kit was a Yamaha (circa 1975) which my dad bought for me new at the local Yamaha Music store in Honolulu. It was a five piece kit with a 20" bass drum and had a mirror finish. The drums also had a silver paint in the interior (like Gretsch). I remember that, like older Gretsch drums, heads fit tightly on the shells (since the wrap was on the thick side and were tacked on).

I wish I still had those drums...

Well I guess that depends on your definition of "Vintage"