Those early 80s Max/Royce are the same exact drums as the Exports of the same period. The vertical grain, super sharp edges and all. I just think they look so....no other way to put it, cheesy. I hate to use that word, but it is the truth. Peel that dull, mind numbing wrap, stain the shell a base color and star applying coat after coat of lacquer and glitter. Thenm they will have a look that matches the sound.

Now to the "skill level" it requires to take oin edges: I had never touched a restoration of drums before July of '09. My brother was a great drummer and I was his tech, however he died just over 10 years ago. I was learning to play from him. However I lost imterest and never gave it a second thought until my little biy asked if he could learn, so I got out the C/L pages and picked a "cheap" learners' kit. Icluding gas and new snare wires, I have 63.54 in his 5 pc plus all original adds, as listed below. And now, I have earned some modest, yet appreciated respect here. I don't really know why, but I do think we all learn from each other.

Edges are so overly feared. It is simple. You know what? Watch here, in about an hour or two, I am going to post a short video showing one of those Export shells, it is from some unknown name brand, but they are from the Pearl Tiawan plant, so the shells are the same. I am going to get into a short lesson on re-contouring edges.

Interesting stuff. I learn so much every time I log on here! I'd only known the late 80s Exports -- they seem to be made from some kind of hardwood, with a horizontal grain. I didn't know the early 80s Exports were the same as the Maxwin/Royce drums.

Thanks for sharing your story, Jonnistix. I'm so sorry to hear about your brother's passing. I've seen some of the work you've done restoring old MIJs, and it's stunning. Beautiful handmade sparkle finishes. Really nice stuff. I had no idea you were new to it! Do you have a background in woodworking?