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MInt Star Bongos

Posts: 2242 Threads: 380

A few minutes ago, I picked up my new set of Star bongos from the local post office. They are near mint! The white plastic bridge needs a cleaning as do the lugs and rims but, there is no rust or pitting whatsoever. The original calfskin heads are aged with a dark patina but, not a single small rip or dent can be found. What I'd like to know though is this: on my other Star sets and other pair of bongos, the badges have "Finest Quality" or "World's Supreme Quality" printed on them. This badge is a stylized rectange with the greater length at the top. Above the typical word, "Star" is the phrase, "Perfect Percussion". Below the "Star", "Made in Japan". I'm estimating the bongos to be from the early to mid sixties but, I'm not sure. Any authoritive placing of age on this set would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much, gentlemen.

Brian

Just a drummer who loves all things about vintage drums! Nothing more, nothing less.
Posted on 12 years ago
#1
Posts: 209 Threads: 15

Hey Brian!

Congrats on thoseCool1, due to your description we both seem to be lucky owners of the same kind of Bongos! I snatched mine a few weeks ago (see below), and they came in very good condition, too! Even with the original key.

If you can´t post pics here, just send them up to me, I will post them here for you!

Greets, Lissy

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Jazz is not dead - it just smells funny! FZ
Posted on 12 years ago
#2
Posts: 2242 Threads: 380

Thanks, my friend!

I think that they may be oak but, I'm no expert. They certainly are not three ply Luan. Solid as a rock! They are constructed in a barrel-like manner. Slats rather than plies. No reinforcing rings. Not necesary. Any Idea of the date, Lissy? Thanks again, amigo!

Brian

Just a drummer who loves all things about vintage drums! Nothing more, nothing less.
Posted on 12 years ago
#3
Posts: 1432 Threads: 110

Hi,

Acc. to the STAR catalogues, your bongos were made in 1966 ('item no. 109' in the prospectus).

Ralf

NB: Below are two types of badges that were placed on STAR bongos at that time. Brian: guess you mean the left one, right?

Vintage STAR (= Pre-Tama) website: www.star-drums.de
Posted on 12 years ago
#4
Posts: 2242 Threads: 380

Yep, you're right , Ralf! Thank you, my friend! I am restoring these little drums at a very slow pace as is my custom. I find that Minwax Tung Oil is a great prodct for this old wood. Turtle Wax Chrome Polish and Rust Remover runs a close second. Thanks again, Ralf. Hope all is well.

Brian

Just a drummer who loves all things about vintage drums! Nothing more, nothing less.
Posted on 12 years ago
#5
Posts: 1525 Threads: 127

I found these in the garbage on the side of the road.

They had a red sparkle wrap on them that was falling off.

I refinished them natural and the badge say's Royal Star, Finest Quality, Japan

They also have re-rings. I will eventually get some heads for them. I am thinking they are 60's era.

Seem to be the same lugs,rims, and middle plastic piece but not as good quality wood.

[IMG]http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l37/1vibes/Percussion/IMG_3938.jpg[/IMG]

Posted on 12 years ago
#6
Posts: 2242 Threads: 380

Wow, lucky find, vibes! Looks like these will clean up nicely! I'd really like to seem them after your restoration. Thanks for posting!

Brian

Just a drummer who loves all things about vintage drums! Nothing more, nothing less.
Posted on 12 years ago
#7
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