Salty - No such thing anymore, at least not among the larger companies. The only way they can compete in the open market with the lower-end model kits, (which usually makes up to a half or two-thirds of any given company's catalog,) is by taking advantage of the lower cost of labor and materials either over-seas or in Mexico. DW's lower-end line is farmed out to Mexico. Ludwig uses China, on and on. But note: the higher-end kits, top-of-the-line stuff is proudly touted as having been made in the USA. Ludwig, Gretsch, DW, etc. all maintain manufacturing plants on American soil. In today's economy, it's hard to fault the exec's of these larger companies. The guys who run the drum companies are business majors/PhD's. They're only trying to remain competitive in a global market and make sure that the bottom-line stays healthy. Otherwise... no more drums for anyone, made in the USA or not. Just the demands and current state of the now - Global economy.

Good topic. Hope it doesn't become politicized!

John

20.00 + benefits minimum for a skilled worker in N.A. ---how many hours go into a drumkit + materials, packaging shipping, warehousing ,sales,promotion and 3 profit margins at least on top? i doubt if robotics has entered the drum industry like it has others, to any degree. nobody could make a low cost kit on this continent. i'm actually amazed that there are any kits out there for under 1000.00, oriental or not.

the costs of producing anything and getting it to market have exploded in the western world.

in 1967, a four piece Japanese kit , with cymbals, could be had for around 199.00-249.00. that was 45 years ago! you can buy an equivalent ( probably much better ,actually) kit ,now for around 500.00- 600.00.

to put it into perspective ;in 1967; gas was about .50 cents a gallon, a quart of first grade oil could be had for .75 cents , the average new car price was about 3,000.00 and a really nice house in Toronto could be bought for 30,000.00. all of those things are between 7 and 15 times more expensive ,now.

All of that is true. In America we want high pay scales for laborers and Wal-Mart prices for goods. That is as political as I will get. (good point Purdie)

I agree that it is amazing that anyone, anywhere can produce a $300 drum kit. As much as we turn up our noses at the entry level Tama, Ludwig, Gretsch, etc., etc., I am always amazed at the fit and finish on those drums. Great looking wraps and wood finishes, good looking lugs with gaskets, good quality mounting hardware...that is amazing for that kind of money. As mentioned, if one calculates for inflation, one can buy a current MIJ, MIC, MIT kit that is arguably leaps and bounds above a 60's-70's stencil kit for a mere fraction of the cost.

I was at Sam Ash yesterday to buy some heads, and was looking on the floor at the drums sets, I gotta tell you, that Maple Grestch set for $649 was amazing, beautiful finish and it had a fantastic sound. If you really want Amercian NEW, check out the Chicago drum show, many many small independant drum companies making drums now. The one thing I'm not a fan of is re-sale value, I don't think you will get your money back like you would on a vintage kit. just my 2 cents.

Most of the top American drum mfg are still not 100% north amercian made , they still farm out some or all hardware / parts to be made over seas and sent back to north america to assembled in a a north amercian location , thus called made in america.

You still can find 100% north american made drums but they are vintage or custom boutique kit's .

Most of the custom builders still utilize off the shelf lugs and other hardware. Where is all that made?

OOOOOOOOOOO!!!! OOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! Pick me! Pick me! I know!!!