Hello Charles,

Could you post a few pics of the kit you are writing about?

pretty much all the Japanese stencil dum kits

were intended as cheap (affordable) knockoffs of the better quality American drums

Mostly Slingerland copies but some looked like Gretsch also

While others even copied the German made Sonor teardrops

Most of the U.S.Mercury Kits had the Slingerland look

At the time Slingerland had the lower priced stage band kits

One large center mounted lug casing with extra long tension rods

as well as the better quality kits with separate lug casings for batter and resonant sides

The Japanese drums were made in both styles as well

In my collection I have U.S. Mercury drums in both styles

Both are cool and I like them equally as much

but as a working drum kit

the style with the separate lugs for each side(pictured in white marine pearl)

are a little sturdier and would most likely hold up better

Also personally I think 250.00 would be way high for the stage band style kit

(pictured in red marine pearl)

and getting very close to top dollar for the heavier duty style especially with no snare drum

That aside if the wrap is unique and in good shape they may be worth paying up for

Charles:

U,S, Mercury Drums are a stencil of Star. Before you put out $250.00 though, take a very careful look at the drums. Are they in the round? What kind of wrap (maybe it's rare)? Is it in excellent shape? What's the chrome like? Are there stands, a foot pedal or cymbals included? Is this just three pieces? There are MANY factors to be considered. I've just listed a few.

Very few drums are "complete junk". With good heads and proper tuning, most can do an admiral job.

In the end, it's your decision. Best of luck in whatever you decide.

Brian

Thanks, all. No pics available to post right now, unfortunately. Just wanted to know if these were decent kits, really.

They would probable work out for you if you're doing very light playing. You wouldn't want to do a lot of setting up and breaking down tho. The screws and lugs are notorious for stripping easily.

Mr. Kenwood

Love your MIJ kits.

Is the red pearl set a CREST?

I would love to get a red crest one day.

My first kit.

Hello green glass drum

Thank you very kindly about the mij collection

I finally have the shelving built to display some of them

As for the red marine pearl kit they are U.S. Mercury

the badges are thin round black and gold colored foil

I have only the basic 3 pieces bass,snare, and mounted tom

Fantastic Collection. :D