I wasn’t in the market for a new set, but when I spotted a local Craigslist ad for this Majestic set, asking only $30, I almost broke a finger sending a text reply.
It’s pretty complete: the wrap is above average with only moderate bubbling on the bass drum; the snare is missing the throw-off lever; one hoop is missing the inlay; and there is minor rust on the rims. All three badges are present and in good shape.
I’ll post another photo after I clean them up and touch up the bearing edges.
Josh
Great find! Enjoy those.
Mike
Josh!
Wow...$30?!! I would have purchased it as well! Love those offset lugs, too! Looking forward to the "after" pictures!
-Mark
You can`t beat that deal!!
Cheers
Okay, I disassembled the drums. I polished up all the chrome work with Flitz polish, and occasionally used Nevr-Dull. Most of the metal is shiny, but small bumps in the chrome are most everywhere. This chrome doesn’t seem to polish up as well as most of my American-made hardware has, but still looks respectable after 50 or 60 years.
The snare and tom shells were both slightly warped, so I leveled the bearing edges, then routed new curved bearing edges, much like the original shape. They are now much smoother, too, as I sanded up to 400 grit.
The six plies are oriented up and down like most MIJ drums of the era. The seams are butted well (as opposed to overlapping seams found in US made drums of the same vintage).
Of special note: the snare has an adjustable butt (don’t we all wish we had one!). Also, the bass drum hoops are made of steel!
The bass drum is still apart. I am looking for a t-rod and claw that are missing.
Josh
Josh - Nice resto!
One of my favorite wraps.
Looking good!!
Cheers
Great job! Strong work.
Mike
Here they are together. They look pretty good from 6 feet away.
Just posted them on ebay with a starting bid of $75 and $100 shipping. We’ll see if we get any bites. Some of the MIJ sets on ebay now have astronomical prices, so I am optimistic.
Josh
