Search
Register
Only Admins can see this message.
Data Transition still in progress. Some functionality may be limited until the process is complete.
Processing Attachment, Gallery - 137.68685%

Vintage SuperStar?

Posts: 39 Threads: 6

Saw this ad on CL recently:

"great sounding 14" Tama Superstar tom w/mount. Comes with the bottom ring, a new Remo top head, and sound dampener ring. There is a missing tension mount on the bottom, so the bottom head is not attached. Sticker was put on it, and some still needs to be removed."

I exchanged a couple emails with the seller and it turns out it's really a 13" not a 14" ... so I'm not interested in buying it ... I was only interested because I would like to add a 14" tom to either my Swing Star or Imperial Star kit and thought this might be a good project. But the discussion brought out several things I think are not correct about this drum. I am not an expert so I thought I'd throw this out for some opinions:

- Zola Coat = Swing or Imperial Star ... not Superstar?

- Are either of the two different lug types correct? They both look wrong to me.

- The tom mount does not look like any Tama I have seen

- The badge is not on the vent hole ... rather held in place by 4 screws

- Never seen a muffler on a Tama tom like this

And I guess the first question that I should have asked (but never did) is how does he know it sounds great in this conditionMind Blowi

What do you all think?

Posted on 11 years ago
#1
Posts: 816 Threads: 72

Looks like Imperialstar (maybe early production). Incorrect tom bracket, missing a Tama lug and has an added Ludwig lug. Wait for another similar tom to pop up.

Posted on 11 years ago
#2
Posts: 2197 Threads: 202

The top lugs look like "chubby"Island Music Rogers lugs.Luddies on the bottom.Slingerland tom mount.Tama tom mount arm.I think that drum is either an Island Music Rogers that's been hacked or Gretsch Blackhawk,which had the same lugs.I am unfamiliar with that Tama screwed on "T" badge.

Posted on 11 years ago
#3
Posts: 1311 Threads: 9

Although there looks to be a zola coat finish on the interior,those aren't Tama lugs.The Imperialstar as well as Superstar line didn't have mufflers when they went to a thicker shell without re rings in the late 70's.That is also NOT a Tama one touch muffler.The nail on T badge was earlier 70's,and at the time,you could get extra badges from dealers.I've seen more than a few drums with two badges,one with a grommet,and one nailed on with 4 small nails. The phony muffler and the single nailed on T badge with a non re ring shell tell me this is NOT a Tama tom.

You could actually order drums without mounting brackets or custom order then with other manufacturers hardware from Tama,I have an early 80's 10" tom with a factory mounted Yamaha mount.

I'm not quite sure of that drums origin,but it looks cobbeled together.Too many red flags,wait for a real one to come along.The're plenty out there.

Steve B

Posted on 11 years ago
#4
Posts: 39 Threads: 6

I did pass on this drum. It didn't turn out to be what I was looking for anyway ... especially the 13 vs 14" part!

The seller still maintains it's a Superstar. I tried to educate him so he can list it accurately but I guess he's not into reality. I hope the next potential buyer does their research too.

You all validated some of what I knew and I learned a few things too ... thanks!:)

Posted on 11 years ago
#5
  • Share
  • Report
Action Another action
Something else here