"Stencil" refers to any kit, even today's Chinese, Taiwanese and Korean, that are mass produced and then have some obscure, unknown "makers" mark, or name. To us, these are typically MIJ or Made In Japan because they are vintage. Many people on this site despise them and tend to blame the MIJ of killing the American drum companies, even though a high percentage of these guys would NOT be drummers today because of them. These drums filled an economic need. In the boomtime from the Rock-n-Roll explosion, the American makers could not keep up and would not fill the lower budget market, therefore leaving the door wide open to imports.
Now admittedly, most of these old kits are junk, even by todays' standards. However, many of these kits are really great drums. This is also a hotly debated fact. As far as value, the real value is in the fact that they are so inexpensive to collect. Many of todays' vintage guys are beginning to see the value in these as gigging kits. They sound great, and since they are cheap, they can be used to replace the irreplacable American Vintage drums so they are not damaged in the typical gigging places, also known as bar
As for the real sale value of these drums, the funkier, "rarer" the wrap, the higher they will go, all the way to as high as 500, although I probably will never pay more than 100-200 for a complete kit in good condition. Also, the shell composition plays a big part. I prefer the thinner, 3 ply shells, as they have a warmer, woodier sound and resonate beyond anything you will find. Many others prefer the thicker 6 and 9 ply shells as they are higher toned than the 3 ply. Heads are again subjective, however fitting can be a chore as many heads are tight on these old cans. It's just where they live. We, as the keepers of the faith, are publicly and consciously trying to keep the prices down in order that they can remain as a collectible for those of us that like them and enjoy collecting, yet cannot afford the high prices American drums command.
Now, since your kit is de-wrapped, and painted, it is worth no more than someone will pay for them. You will probably end up donating them to a broke kid that has the desire to play, yet has no money to purchase a full kit. And they will appreciate them, just watch the look on the face when you tell that poor kid down the street that you are giving lessons to that they are his, as long as he agrees to a few simple conditions. I donate a few rescued kits a year. These conditions are mine, and anyone that recieves a set of my creatioons must sign a contract. They must never sell or pawn them, and that they must continue to learn, somehow, and if they decide to quit, they must either contact me and return the kit, or find someone else that is similar in stature to themselves and donate them to that kid.
[COLOR=red]Actually, I think this may be a 60s kit. The tacked on logo is heard to find much in the 70s, but more easily in the 60s. Could be early 70s. They used so many logo designs it is hard to place. Maybe Osakabop will chime in on the timeline for this badge set.[/COLOR]
