Those are totally generic MIT's.Until recently Blackhawks were whatever Gretsch could get the cheapest.Those are either luan or basswood.Within the last few years the MIC Blackhawks are MUCH better drums.Same hardware as Catalinas with basswood shells.If the cymbal is any good,they are worth that-you won't lose any by flipping them.

> Are these good for anything?

Kindling.

John

Those are made in today's current major OEM stencil factory, KHS, who also make Mapexes, Sonor Force (now Ascent), CB Percussion, Network, and Westbury, among others...

Compared to past stencils, the actual build quality is much better than "vintage" stencils, as modern technology has evolved quite a bit, but they ARE mass-produced with cheaper materials and have a bit of a "dollar store" vibe

A closer look lets you see that Ludwig Accents, Mapex Tornados, and Gretsch Blackhawks are actually the same shell/wrap, with slightly different but shared hardware components and different "brand" labels

Sound familiar?

OK, thank you everyone.

Jeff C

I agree. Also, the 'other' items included had better be good stuff to make it worth that. The last Blackhawk kit I had I paid $50.00 for it and hardware, and trashcan lid cymbals (or symbols as the fellow had them listed).

After cleaning, new-ish cheap heads and miscellaneous minor repairs I sold the kit for $140.00 ready to play.

That is good info there, thanks Craig. Looks like I will pass on it unless he lowers the price a bunch.I am Basically looking for something to try different finishes on for fun, but want to be able to unload it when done.

Jeff C