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My new early 60's? Premier kit.........am I right?

Posts: 4 Threads: 1

Hi guys, so I finally got around to signing up after using this forum as a valuable research tool for some time now.

So I recently picked up a nice old kit and was hoping some of you more knowledgeable guys might be able to tell me what I have here, as I'm not real familiar with Premier drums (I have a thing for 80's Tamas, and this is my first time around with a true vintage kit). I've done some research and think I have some idea, but I'd love to get some conformation, or a nudge in the right direction if I'm barking up the wrong tree.

From research I have done so far I think I have an early 60s Premier 54 model, and from what I understand 54 only referred to the configuration as all construction was the same???

Sizes are 22", 12" 16" with a 14" Super Ace? snare, and the shells are birch, and appear to be pre-international sizes.

The bass drum appears to have calf skin heads, while all other heads are Premier Everplay heads, except for the snare batter which is a Nippon Gakki head. All hoops are die cast, and all drums have a black duroplastic wrap, except the floor tom, which has no wrap, and has a slightly different badge.

The kit came with what appears to be all original hardware, inluding flat base snare, hi hat, and cymbal stands, original bass pedal, hoop mounted tom mount, cowbell, hoop mounted cymbal arm, and floor tom legs that support the drum via a cradle that is not attached to the drum.

Also Included were a set of Zyn/Super Zyn cymbals. All of which feature different stamps. The 14" hats are super light, darker in colour and are stamped "Standard Quality Zyn", the 16" is stamped "THE SUPER Zyn", and the 20" ride cymbal is stamped "Super Zyn" but in block lettering.

From what I can tell the 16" and 20" are made from b20, not so sure about the hats, but all cymbals appear to be hand hammered.

The kit also came with a set of bongos with the same lugs, die cast hoops, and duroplastic wrap, and everplay heads, but have a silver coating on the inside. Also included were a set of sticks and 2 sets of brushes, which quite possibly could be the originals that came with the set, and 3 slotted tuning keys.

There are a couple of minor modifications that were made that were explained to me by the original owner (who is in his 80's).

The brackets that hold the floor tom legs and hoop mounted cymbal arm were replaced by custom made pieces, as the original ones didn't contain enough thread, and were easily stripped from regular setup and pack down. Also the pins that held the original snare wires in place were removed to allow the use of standard snare wires, as the original ones were hard to come by.

All up, the kit appears to be in great condition for its age, It's fun to play (although I have no idea how anyone gets any power out of that kick pedal.... us modern drummers have it so easy), and it sounds really nice,with all the punch, and resonance you'd expect to hear from thin birch shells, but I'd love to hear it with some coated Ambassadors on the toms.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but these are pretty poor so they may only be worth a couple of hundred.

If anyone out there has any additional info, or want to hazard a guess as to the value of these drums it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks very much.

[IMG][IMG]http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x451/uanwhozarmy/IMG_20140424_1501512.jpg[/IMG][/IMG]

[IMG][IMG]http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x451/uanwhozarmy/IMG_20140424_1502382-Copy.jpg[/IMG][/IMG]

[IMG][IMG]http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x451/uanwhozarmy/IMG_20140424_1503182.jpg[/IMG][/IMG]

[IMG][IMG]http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x451/uanwhozarmy/IMG_20140424_1503182.jpg[/IMG][/IMG]

[IMG][IMG]http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x451/uanwhozarmy/IMG_20140424_1503492.jpg[/IMG][/IMG]

[IMG][IMG]http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x451/uanwhozarmy/IMG_20140424_1504002.jpg[/IMG][/IMG]

Posted on 10 years ago
#1
Posts: 45 Threads: 4

That's a lovely set Sir. In fine condition given its age too, in my estimation it dates to the early to mid 50s. The Script badge on the FT was a short lived version, superceded by the badges on the other drums. The cradle mount also makes it no later than the mid 50s I believe. As does the hoop mounting affair for the 12.

The very early Super Zyns are a well kept secret. Frequently hand hammered they can sound excellent if somewhat idiosyncratic!

Wierdly enough I have today bought a near identical example of the floor with a cradle mounting. It is in White Duro though with the later badge and not nearly as well cared for. How's that for synchronicity!

They are worth what someone will pay for them, to me they're priceless. Enjoy...

Spart

PS Get a 252, best pedal Premier ever made. Power in spades.

Posted on 10 years ago
#2
Posts: 1432 Threads: 110

Depending on your location (UK or abroad) I'd say somewhere between EUR 400 - 700.

The solid black wrap makes it less desirable than all the other typical vintage finishes.

Ralf

Vintage STAR (= Pre-Tama) website: www.star-drums.de
Posted on 10 years ago
#3
Posts: 29 Threads: 9

those are some nice drums, I have to agree. they're older than they look. I'd say mid to late 50s. here are some pics of my early 60s prems for comparison. hope this helps

Rob

Posted on 10 years ago
#4
Posts: 164 Threads: 28

looks 50's to me...the snare is a super ace and the royal ace came out after. if your on facebook, join premier drums and percussion page. there's a few guys on there that would know more about the kit and the era.

here is a pic of my snare, floor and rack tom, my kit is an outfit54.

1 attachments
snare,tom,floor.jpg
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Posted on 10 years ago
#5
Posts: 4 Threads: 1

Thanks for the replies guys. It's amazing that this kit is in such nice condition considering it's around 60 years old.

Yeah the older Super Zyns are great. From memory the early ones were made by ex Italian P.O.Ws, which explains why there are similarities to some of my old UFIPs.

Those are some really nice looking kits you have there guys.

Posted on 10 years ago
#6
Posts: 29 Threads: 9

the Royal Ace came out in 1960, the block badges on your drums date from 52 - 67, the other badge on the floor tom is before that, so very

early 50s, but when the made these they would have just had a bucket full of all sorts of badges, Premier drums are so hard to date accurately. I found out some info on 60s kits, but I don't think that's much use to you

Rob

Posted on 10 years ago
#7
Posts: 29 Threads: 9

i cant see on the pics properly, is the text on the block badges in 2 or 3 lines? badges from 60-67 have 'made and regd in England' in 2 lines, pre 60 its 3 lines, after 67 they just say made in England

Rob

Posted on 10 years ago
#8
Posts: 285 Threads: 11

From Ralf

Depending on your location (UK or abroad) I'd say somewhere between EUR 400 - 700.The solid black wrap makes it less desirable than all the other typical vintage finishes.Ralf

Solid black makes it more desirable to me... its the most, in fact.

Imo, if quality and rarity actually dictated price, that set would be worth more than a Gretsch or Ludwig of the same period.

Posted on 10 years ago
#9
Posts: 802 Threads: 149

Hey, if these are late 50s or earky 60s, arent the shells Pre International Sizes? Heads can be very hard to find for those drums. Normal, store bought heads dont fit.

Posted on 10 years ago
#10
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