Actually sounds pretty darn good and I am picky. I imagine going through a nice house with some EQ they would sound very cool. Plus I doubt anyone in the crowd could tell they are MIJ drums from hearing them.

I have been fortunate to discover a good location for the camera to get a good mix of the entire kit, as evidenced. I am listening to this through some good Harman/Kardon computer speakers - and (what is KEY here) is that I am also running a nice warmed up EQ setting on my computer (http://www.vintagedrumforum.com/showthread.php?t=43232). At times I have run my computer sound through my nice Home stereo system and I am sure it would sound great through there.

The difference (compared to my other videos shot in the same fashion) will either be the tuning of the tom or (now that I think about it) a new/different tape in my Super8 camera. I am running a Sony P6-120MP Metal Particle tape in a Sony SCL906 Hi8 Camcorder.

Hey, John!

Your kit sounds great! I'm sure it has a lot to do with your excellent drumming skills, my friend. Thanks very much for sharing!

Brian

Yeah, the whole kit actually sounds really good - much better than I expected. I think it's time I invested in some MIJ stuff... Jump For Joy

Thanks for sharing man

Alex

Thanks for the feedback, guys. Just trying to share how great the MIJ stuff can sound. I tune to the shells, same tension top and bottom, and then use studio rings. This kit could actually sound better with new heads. The FT could use more resonance and it could get it with new heads. The top used to have a bad head buzz (heard in several of my vids) then I finally tuned it up and got rid of it - much to my boomy surprise when I recorded it after that.

Make note of the positioning of the camera (mic). I would like to move it back/up a bit more, but limited by the position of the refrigerator in relation to the kit (and the ceiling of course)! Still, it seems to pick up everything quite acoustically well from where it is.

Notice Guys, how deep he has them tuned. Luan wood likes to tune down low, people compain that it's hard to get these toms to sound good, but it's usually because they don't know how to tune them and/or mount them.

Tune the drum the way IT wants not the way YOU want, and it will give you a great surprise. Nice job John!

Thanks Philip (I think I have that name right?)

Folks, our Mutant friend has alot of experience with these shells. He has grown a business with them and has many very happy customers. His custom wraps are amazing (see his threads). He is a good resource of experience and knowledge with these.

I would say that in addition to proper tuning and mounting, the other element that will steal you of a GREAT sound is the EDGES. I went about 25 years with my first MIJ kit with a 12in tom that I was eternally frustrated with - I could never get it to sound as good as the FT. When I took 13 shells to a veteran drum builder, he recut the edges and it changed everything! I also learned that rounding off the batter edge on the BD is effective, though if that edge is not true, it will not perform. A good batter (SKI !!!) is needed too, but you get the point. The type of edge is another discussion. I just wanted to save you hours of frustration and make sure you (newbies) know what it takes.

Much of this information is repeatedly echoed throughout this forum. I suppose the more we repeat it/teach it, the better the chance that researchers will stumble upon this fundamental and essential know-how.

Drummerjohn....you are an excellent drummer, my friend!

There is no question that the MIJ drums can be meant to sound good. The problem is always them STAYING that way. The hardware is generally so cheap that after 20 minutes or so of hard playing, the drums tend to go out of tune.

Those thin luan shells are also a problem. Wind the heads too tight and the stress and tension on the shells makes them bend inward and warp over time. I've had this happen to me.

While I think MIJ drums are great for practicing, and for general bashing, taking them on a gig is asking for trouble......trouble I know about first hand. But I do think that for a first set, they server a nice purpose.

Yet with all the MIJ kits I've refurbished and gigged with I have never had any of these problems