Well, I can tell you that there is a growing collector's market for vintage Yamaha (and other "brands") of vintage Japanese drums. That finish is a cool one, so I would put it at the high-end of the collectibilty-factor.

Basically, I have read that these early Yamahas were quite well-made...although I've never really put my hands on a set of them.

Likely, yes, there is a matching snare drum somewhere...but "matching" could mean a chrome snare drum.

Hey...with those dimensions (18" bass drum, 12" and 14" toms), you have a Japanese Jazzette! Just out of curiosity...What is the depth of the shell (measure from bearing edge to bearing edge -not from hoop-to-hoop) of that bass drum?

thanks for the reply....without taking the heads off I measure approx. 13-14 inches deep on the bass...it's a great set in wonderful condition, has not been messed with and all original parts.

Matt,

Okay, then...it's likely a 14" depth. VERY unlikely that it's 13" depth...BUT, if it's 12" in depth, then we should talk some more! :)

Well...if i get a wild hair tonight I'll take one of the heads off to get a precise measurement for you.....I'm assuming you are a collector of the "jazzette" kits?

Indeed, I am!

Man...sorry to burst your bubble, I was even wrong about the bass width...here's the official measurement. Bass 20Wx14D, floor tom 14x14, and tom-tom 12Wx8D....I'd still consider this a "jazz", although...I'm sure there is no distinct definition...your thoughts?

Also.....do you know of any resources online or anywhere to find out the year this set was made? That would at least give me some idea as to what to hunt down re: proper hardware, snare, etc.....

I don't know exactly when the kit was made and, other than getting a hold of someone at the Yamaha musical instruments division who is a historian, I wouldn't know where to point you. But, rest assured, your kit is now and will continue to be collectible. Just keep it in good shape and keep the original heads off the drum if you plan on playing it. Save them for when you re-sell (if ever) and replace them with some coated Remo Ambassadors (or Diplomats).

Too bad (for me) it's not a "Jazzette" size kit or I would be begging you to sell them to me...and I don't need anymore drums! (of course I do!). Nevertheless, a 20" bass drum is a "cool" size. Someone around here is an avid collector of this type of kit. I forget his name at the moment...maybe you could look through some of the older posts here at this section and find him. He was heavy into researching this stuff. Maybe HE might see your post. Give it some time. In the meantime, be careful not to get too wild on that thing! Parts may be nearly impossible to find. EBay if you're lucky.

The badge is from the early 70's...

I think the most recent issue of Classic Drummer has a Yamaha timeline, but the badge which I have seen many times usually dates to around that time possibly late 60's, but the general time frame is early 70's. to get an exact date is impossible unless you are the original owner with the original receipt.

Then again they could have been sitting around for awhile before they sold.

Your question is probably the most asked question about a vintage drum and unfortunately the drum companies back then did not really consider it important.

We now have to go on the badge, finish and other details to get a range of dates.

David

Here is a link to my Yamaha snare Click Here. This version badge has a serial number and yours does not, making yours an earlier version if I remember correctly.

I have always been a bit intrigued by the vintage yamahas, were they high end? Atleast thats what I have heard. What are the shells made of maple or something.