At some point the attics and basements become empty. Only so many of those out there in that circumstance.

The MIJs I have are ones I plan to keep forever - as there is something special about every one....a criteria I have employed ever since I started buying that stuff 10 years ago now.

Someday I will get around to actually finishing off those MIJ kits I intend to restore.

If only TIME were for sale! (at garage sale prices!)

I think i have to chime in and share my opinion on this matter.. Absolutely there are insane MIJ prices out there, and i gave one such example on another thread recently, although i can't remember which thread it was. (i enclosed the link to the Stewart kit in question).

Then you have this 100% original kit currently on sale on my local classifieds. Kit used to be owned by fellow forum member "drumfx", who is also a friend. Though I'm not sure if it's him selling it again, or if it's the one who bought the kit off him who is reselling it..

All i know is that it was an awesome deal when drumfx was selling it, and is an awesome deal now. Now why would anyone pay over $400-600 for an MIJ kit, even with some of it's ambiguous "rarity", when they can get this kit ?-

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-drum-percussion/ville-de-montreal/batterie-yamaha-1970s-black-oyster-pearl-shell-kit/1292482248?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

Seems insane to me.. Like this Stewart kit in Ontario. Beautiful, and rare kit, but for $100 less, i just picked a 6 ply 1977 Black Cortex Ludwig...Lol ! Some people....Laughing HLaughing H

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-drum-percussion/city-of-toronto/rare-1960s-mij-stewart-fantasia-pearl-full-5-piece-kit/1287271626?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

Every now and then I get lucky! But, that was in the past and finding these cool finishes for low prices is getting rare!

-Mark

With all due respect.........

It is my impression that when we discuss vintage MIJ, it does not include Yamaha. Is Yamaha vintage MIJ - of course. At the same time most agree that Yamaha was and is a step above all the other MIJ, especially at that point in time.

It has always been my impression that Yamaha (who did not start building drums until 1967) sat back and watched what the others were doing and learning from that. So, their research done, when they came on the scene (including building the Rogers 360/380s) they were very highly respected from the start.

Point is, it is my understanding that "vintage MIJ" does not include Yamaha - as they were not very active in the stenciling phenomenon (outside the Rogers arrangement).

-----------------

That said, totally agree with your chime. I agree that the Fantasia kit is worth more, but $1200.....nope, regardless of which currency.

Stencil kits were a fun way for me to build up confidence in my ability to restore, but as the prices rise I find myself doing this less & less. I payed no more than 3 bills for each of my last 4 Rogers kits so for me to justify paying today's prices for a stencil kit it needs to come with a prize like a Powertone snare, old A's, a Speed King or at least a totally groovy wrap. Or anything Phenolic or FG. & Yeah. Human71, DrumFX's Y-Badge is REALLY tempting...Rub it in why don't ya!!

I see prices going up on MIJ kits and it's disturbing, now that I have finally come to appreciate them! Going to back to my recent post about the aqua blue sparkle MIJ set I found in Florida for $699; To me, that's WAY too much to pay for a stencil set, even in pristine condition. After I explained to the store owner that he was asking a lot, his response was basically, "I'm keeping them at that price to see if I can land a sucker, but I'll take your phone number if I change my mind." I can't blame him in a way. He wants to maximize his profit. He probably paid $150 for them. Or less.

There are still deals out there to be had, but I would recommend collectors grab them before the demand gets larger. The demand for 60's Japanese guitars has gone up as mentioned, but recently, I tried selling a very nice Hi-Lo Japanese guitar on Reverb and Ebay. I started out at $279, and finally dropped the price down to $179, and still couldn't sell it! It was available on Reverb for over six months! No takers at all. Not even one inquiry. So, I can see where some MIJ drumsets could also sit unsold.

I really do think there are a LOT of delusional sellers out there who think that they have something of great value, just because it's old, or because they see prices of unsold drumsets sitting on Ebay. They should check the "sold" prices instead.

I continue to scan craigslist, Ebay and Reverb for nice MIJ sets and deals. The thrill of the hunt is a big factor of course, so continue to look. The deals are out there; albeit not as many.

Lol ! Yeah it is tempting.. But an awesome deal nonetheless..Yes Sir

It would be a great kit for my McCartney Tribute band, but i think it would be a bit too pretentious cause of the Ringo wrap..So i picked up a '77 6 ply Ludwig in Black Cortex instead..In the process of detailing it before our Cabaret de Casino gig on Sept, 1st. Just have the floor tom left to do. I'm also installing the Ludwig Atlas Arch mount and Atlas tom mount for the bass drum and tom.. Should look snazzy, but more importantly, should make the drums sound fantastic !

Cheers,

Rob

Although I have been collecting round badge Stars for many years ( snares, entire sets,marchers, cocktails, 6 1/2 inch snares, bongos, tambourines, even sticks), I couldn't agree more concerning the escalating prices of MIJ instruments. I have a big seven piece Star kit that I even gig with (I cheat a bit, using a beautiful Supra as my main snare, a Speed King pedal and vintage Ludwig flat base hardware), BUT, to be completely honest when I see a set of Star bongos going for nearly $100.00 plus about $70.00 shipping on eBay it gives me ideas, Maybe I should sell my entire collection and move to Florida! I would escape these bloody Canadian winters and still have cash left over! Maybe even buy some Ludwigs!!!

Brian

I'm enjoying this thread! Here's another example of inflated MIJ prices. eBay item 263117323876. Star Pearl Fantasia 5pc...with a 9x13 "special ordered" deep snare. Hmm...my gut tells me it's a converted rack tom. Even has a modern strainer. Messaged the owner about this.

Anyway, the asking price is $1300 BIN or Make Offer. Yes, it is a rare kit. Not too many Pearl Fantasia kits out there and this one has the cool Fre-O-Matic tom holder, which was a Rogers Swivomatic clone! Still, is it worth the BIN or even $1000? I guess the market will decide.

-Mark

I was thinking that "special order snare drum"

could have been a rare marcher done in the pearl fantasia

As Star, Pearl, and non-Star Hoshino did all dabble in marching gear

But 9"x13" does sound more like (converted rack tom) to me as well

I would say five bills the pro being that rare double tom mount and the con being the modified bass drum