What you call an unmatched snare may be just the snare that these kits were sold with back in the days. So in a way original. I heard these STAR snares sound very good. Nice kit, I'd buy it.

$500 is too high, even if it is in mint condition. At most it should go for 400. The ID and value of the snare should be considered. I can't tell here on my phone. Hard to date this kit without pics of the shell interiors.

Generally, for reference:

Re ring : 1967 or earlier

No rings: 1968 or later

That kit is indeed a beauty!

I offered him $300 for the 3 piece and the hardware.. He countered offered with $400..

Snare doesn't interest me at all.. I thought $300 was fair enough, but he doesn't think so.. And to top it off, one bass drum hoop isn't original.. I'm holding on for another kit, although this one is a great deal but is a modern kit, a Sonor 3007 3 piece maple kit in a nice Midnight Fade (sort of looks like a blue and black duco) for only $300 with snare and hardware.. I'm awaiting that seller's reply as well..So far no replies from either of them..

The Tama square badge came out in approx. 1966 and doesn't appear to be used for more than a few years, but the oyster pearl or Tiger pearl was available earlier than that up until 1972

http://www.tamadrum.co.jp/anniversary/expansion.php?cat_id=5&now=11

http://www.tamadrum.co.jp/anniversary/expansion.php?cat_id=6&now=9

I would place this kit as a 1966 kit.

IMHO $400 is a steal if the kit is relatively clean.

yak

Thanks for the detailed info, yak !..Checking out the Sonor kit tomorrow.

If that kit doesn't do it for me, then the Star probably will..

Thanks to all who replied as well !

cheers,

Rob

Sonor kit was a bust.. Not very good player's condition.. I felt bad for the kid selling it, he's dropped his price and has got nothing but tire kickers.. I was actually interested in the kit, but it was in very bad shape, and i'm looking for something in very good shape. I'm going to offer the seller $350 and see what he says..Most drummers in my area don't know that these Star kits are really nice "sleeper kits" that will sound great with proper heads and tuning.

We'll see what happens..

I'll send him an offer for $200/250.,,,,,

Maybe yr offer of $300 will look good,

Doing it now..

Lol ! Thanks Rims ! I'm not going to bust the guys chops to lower his price too much, but i appreciate the effort ;)

cheers,

Rob