I believe those were mahogany. Guys, correct me if I'm wrong. I had a monstrous set of those back in the day (twin 24's, 8 to 18 double head toms...huge). It never sounded great to me, though. My nickel.

Technically they were Phillipine mahogany aka Luan, not the good mahogany that comes from africa that was used in vintage slingerland and ludwig. I agree with the above post....sounded like crap. I never could figure out why Stewart Copeland loved them so much.....Hmmmm

He played short, sharp hits in rapid succession...thus he needed a drum that was a sound that did not ring out and muddy up the mix. It was perfect for his style. My style (such that it was) did not require the dead toms of that kit. Ergo...pttw! Didn't like 'em.

[COLOR="DarkRed"]Yes, Luan. Interesting spec...those were basically the drums which MADE Tama back then. Not saying they were at all great, but they were like the Corolla was to Toyota. They made better cars, but Corollas were their cash cow.

Luan shells with re-rings. Honestly, when one thinks about it...close to the same spec the Japanese had always been using since the 60's in all of their stencil kits and Star and Pearl drums...BUT...the Zola-coat and slightly more precise edges actually gave these shells a better sound than their predecessors....plus, they LOOKED sturdier, too...[/COLOR]