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Yamaha SD550MA Snare- Info Requested!

Posts: 91 Threads: 23

Hey Guys,

I picked up a Yamaha SD-550MA snare at the flea market on Sunday for $15 and am curious to know more about it.

It's a steel shell 5x14, 8 lug, with no underhead muffler. As far as I can tell, it's from Yamaha's Stage series from the early 80s.

I'm guessing it's an entry level drum, because of it not having a muffler. I'm trying not to judge it too harshly because the heads are shot, but right now, it's pretty ringy. What heads would you recommend? I'm curious about the Aquarian American Vintage heads, as people seem to be talking about them a lot.

Does anyone know anything about this drum? Was this a good deal, or just another average drum? I'm not home right now, but will post some pics soon.

It was really dirty when I got it, so I took it apart and cleaned it up. It cleaned up OK overall, but still has surface rust on the shell. The hardware is all correct and in good shape. The snare wires are some generic made in Taiwan ones.

Any info you have would be appreciated!

Thanks,

Jon

Early 70's Slingerland 4 piece
1978/76 Ludwig Vistalite 6 piece "Pro-Beat" Clear
Modern Ludwig Keystone 4 piece - Psychedelic Red
Early 80s Tama Imperialstar 6 piece- **Snare Wanted!**
Late 60's / Early 70's Zildjians
Posted on 10 years ago
#1
Posts: 91 Threads: 23

Here's some pics. Anyone have any info on this snare?

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Early 70's Slingerland 4 piece
1978/76 Ludwig Vistalite 6 piece "Pro-Beat" Clear
Modern Ludwig Keystone 4 piece - Psychedelic Red
Early 80s Tama Imperialstar 6 piece- **Snare Wanted!**
Late 60's / Early 70's Zildjians
Posted on 10 years ago
#2
Posts: 91 Threads: 23

Nothing huh? I've made a few posts asking questions on this forum and come up empty. Seems there isn't as much interest here in Japanese drums as there is in US.

Early 70's Slingerland 4 piece
1978/76 Ludwig Vistalite 6 piece "Pro-Beat" Clear
Modern Ludwig Keystone 4 piece - Psychedelic Red
Early 80s Tama Imperialstar 6 piece- **Snare Wanted!**
Late 60's / Early 70's Zildjians
Posted on 10 years ago
#3
Posts: 2809 Threads: 32

You made a decent purchase. although I don't personally think it is in the class of an acrolite. I would prefer the acro. but for 15 bucks. not bad.

[ame]http://www.ebay.com/itm/YAMAHA-SD-550MA-14-X-5-STEEL-SNARE-DRUM-EXCELLENT-/331065407582[/ame]

Rogers Drums Big R era 1975-1984 Dating Guide.
http://www.vintagedrumforum.com/showthread.php?t=24048
Posted on 10 years ago
#4
Posts: 91 Threads: 23

Sounds about right. That's about how I feel about the drum. There's a music store that has an 80s Tama Imperialstar snare that I'm interested in. I'm thinking of bringing this snare and seeing what he'd offer for it on trade. Perhaps I can make a few bucks toward something I'd rather have.

Early 70's Slingerland 4 piece
1978/76 Ludwig Vistalite 6 piece "Pro-Beat" Clear
Modern Ludwig Keystone 4 piece - Psychedelic Red
Early 80s Tama Imperialstar 6 piece- **Snare Wanted!**
Late 60's / Early 70's Zildjians
Posted on 10 years ago
#5
Posts: 2809 Threads: 32

get the acrolite.

Rogers Drums Big R era 1975-1984 Dating Guide.
http://www.vintagedrumforum.com/showthread.php?t=24048
Posted on 10 years ago
#6
Posts: 2255 Threads: 263

For what you paid is more than a decent drum. Now if you can put some money on top and get an Acrolite like The Ploughman says...

http://www.vintagedrumbug.com/
Cause you got the bug dont'cha?
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Posted on 10 years ago
#7
Posts: 13 Threads: 0

Basic Japanese Yamaha student steel snare drum from the 80's. If you clean up the rust, polish it up and put decent heads on it, it's a $50-$75 drum. Trade price at a store, probably $20-$25.

An 80's Tama Imperialstar snare is a little nicer Japanese steel snare drum (assuming it's a metal drum). An Acrolite is a different animal because it's an aluminum shell drum and will sound different than a steel drum.

Posted on 10 years ago
#8
Posts: 5295 Threads: 226

Another ebay listing...

[ame]http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Yamaha-SD-550ma-5x14-New-Old-Stock-Snare-Made-Japan-u60437-/331180042227?pt=US_Drums&hash=item4d1bde67f3[/ame]

Cheers

1976 Ludwig Mach 4 Thermogloss 26-18-14-14sn
1978 Ludwig Stainless 22-22-18-16-14-13-12 c/w 6-8-10-12-13-14-15-16-18-20-22-24 concert toms
1975 Sonor Phonic Centennials Metallic Pewter 22-16-13-12-14sn (D506)
1971 Ludwig Classic Bowling Ball OBP 22-16-14-13
1960's Stewart Peacock Pearl 20-16-12-14sn
1980`s Ludwig Coliseum Piano Black 8x14 snare
1973 Rogers Superten 5x14 & 6.5x14 COS snares
1970`s John Grey Capri Aquamarine Sparkle 5x14 snare
1941 Ludwig & Ludwig Super 8x14 snare
Posted on 10 years ago
#9
Posts: 2809 Threads: 32

I don't see myself getting 149.00 worth of excited over anything like that.

Rogers Drums Big R era 1975-1984 Dating Guide.
http://www.vintagedrumforum.com/showthread.php?t=24048
Posted on 10 years ago
#10
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