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Tama RoyalStar rare build

Posts: 1918 Threads: 60

Hello

There seems to be a lot of misinformation out there on the Royal Star line. Quite a few generalities that don't seem to apply across the board.

I picked up a very odd kit. It appears to be a unique Royal Star in the standard sizes. I've read the catalogues and know what is supposed to be the shell makeup.

This one doesn't follow suit.

There are no four plies of mahogany. The grain pattern follows through all the plies. It's a strange duck for sure.

Note the pictures of the bearing edges. It's definitely an odd one.

I'm familiar with Brazilian Grain kits. They were unusually darker and had some cheap mahogany core plies. Only the earliest ones were lighter and mahogany-free, evidently. This kit is a lighter one like the one in the attached catalogue link. It seems to be a one species build.

Any help?

Follow this link to a picture of a catalogued kit that represents mine. 1981 and one of the only Tama cats that shows this build of Royals.

http://www.tamadrum.co.jp/anniversary/expansion.php?cat_id=44&now=3

What Would You Do
Posted on 10 years ago
#1
Posts: 868 Threads: 134

Hy

this link is dead:-(

Posted on 10 years ago
#2
Posts: 1918 Threads: 60

Here is the cat page.

I also believe I fixed the link. ... either way ...

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What Would You Do
Posted on 10 years ago
#3
Posts: 2197 Threads: 202

I saw a set of those (maybe 3bay) for sale at a store in Texas- did you buy those drums?

Posted on 10 years ago
#4
Posts: 816 Threads: 72

Another note on the Royalstar line is that the early release kits used up the remaining Tama/Camco lugs.

Posted on 10 years ago
#5
Posts: 1918 Threads: 60

These appear to be single species Brazilian Rosewood. The ply layup is aligned to the grain. Simple and cool. Brazilian Rosewood has been used in acoustic instrument manufacturing for hundreds of years. I was reading about it and found that it is one if the most prized acoustic woods. That's neat. The lighter color with the black lines is supposed to be the most prized plies. It is now CITES listed (Appendix I) ... the most protected of endangered species.

I had no ideas about this kit. I've searched but found very little. It appears to be a very unique and somewhat rare kit. That's why I'm asking for some help.

What Would You Do
Posted on 10 years ago
#6
Posts: 5550 Threads: 576

nice snag roger cool ....

April 2nd 1969 scarfed pink champagne holly wood and 65/66 downbeat snare, and , supra same year very minty kit old pies
66/67 downbeat with canister
Super 400 small round knob
1967 super classic obp





once the brass ceases to glitter, and the drum looses its luster, and the stage remains dark, all you have left is the timbre of family.
Posted on 10 years ago
#7
Posts: 1918 Threads: 60

Thanks Jag. The RoyalStars are listed in several cats, but they are the "cheaper" layup build outs. Not bad drums, but not anything outrageous.

This RoyalStar Rosewood kit is listed in only one small supplemental cat published in 81. Well, that's pretty much all I could find, anyway.

Because of the more prevalent Tama cats featuring the "cheaper" RoyalStar kits, there is an overwhelming belief that all RoyalStars fall under this "cheap" umbrella.

Adding to this confusion is the latter Brazilian Grain and Wine Red editions listed in the 82-84-ish cats, as "6 ply mahogany and 2ply Shina" builds. Those have a single ply in and out of some lacquered grain surrounding four plies of that cheap Asian mahogany.

The Rosewood kit I have is neither of those.

These are Brazilian Rosewood through and through. Like the Tama Rosewood snares, they are unbelievably resonant and warm. Blew my mind when I realized what these were.

I can't believe the serious lack of information and just bad info on the web in regard to these drums. That's why I'm asking around.

My kit has hardware clues from 1979 to very early 1980. Low badge on the toms, tom dampeners, floor tom leg adjustable rubber tips, etc. It's a head scratcher, for sure.

What Would You Do
Posted on 10 years ago
#8
Posts: 2413 Threads: 336

How about some pics?

I had a great day! Instead of sleeping in and wasting the day, I got up at 8 and I had all my slacking done by noon!

2Timothy1:7
Posted on 10 years ago
#9
Posts: 948 Threads: 48

I have been sitting on a partial RoyalStar kit in the Brazilian rosewood

(the grain carries through to the interiors) for a few years now

I have a bass drum shell minus hoops

and the two deep mounted toms (complete)

the mounting receiver is present for the bass drum but minus the double mounting arm to hang the toms

these shells are banged up and in need of refinishing but should a BR floor tom pop up?

There is no question I would redo these great looking awesome sounding drums

Posted on 10 years ago
#10
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