Still would like to find out how old these drums are. Any info will be appreciated.

I got my set new in approximately 1998-1999... They are a great sounding drum set with the isolation mounts and the maple basswood shells. I use my kit for my go to kit for gigs, etc. I play 13-14-16-18-24. I cut down the 13 and 14 to traditional sizes so I could play them over the 24 without much issue. Mine were all factory seconds with finish problems. They are now House Of Kolor rainbow flake, and I love them. If you are into the virgin bass drum look/sound you can even remove the complete mount from the drum, and you can't tell it was ever there. All of the mounts are connected at the lug points. I have the same matching snare. I don't love it, but I bought it and painted it to match anyway.

If he has the matching hardware from the kit, the $100 more should be a pretty good buy. The mapex hardware was pretty sturdy during that time as well.

I hope this helps.

thanks, Ryan

Mapex has only been around for about 20 years.

All of the tube lugs with laqure are from the mid to late 90`s. Some past endorsers are

Hal Blain

Jim Brock (Joe Walsh)

Paul Geary (Extreme)

Current endorsers play other outfits like Orion and Saturn !i

Ryan, Odball. Thank you! Yes it does help!

Jeff C

That's a perfect use for 'em, Jeff.

Yeah, check the cymbals and stuff... did you get a deal?

The guy I bought them from is the owner of a sharpening shop that I take my planer and saw blades to. Hes a real nice guy and he is using the money to buy cymbals for his son to go with his new kit. His son is 12 years old and been playing for 4 years already. So even though it was a best offer thing I couldnt offer less knowing that 100 is still a very good deal.

He said the cymbals were made by something starting with a Z. So, I will have to check it out, probably just ZBT stuff but you just never know. So it sounds like a crash, ride and hihat all with stands plus a throne for another 100.00. He bought them used four years ago so you never know, could be quality Zildjians with Ludwig stands, or junk. I will find out soon.

The drums are in pretty good shape, a few dings here and there. No missing hoops, t-rods or legs, its all there. The lacquer finish has started to check and crack so this will be a nice kit to refinish or veneer. I was thinking walnut veneer, everyone like it and its not that expensive.

Apple,..I think they would really pop in Apple veneer clear laqured !i

Too expensive I think, but interesting idea.

It`s never been done and you love a good challenge !i As long as you don`t live in Massachusettes (State tree) you can harvest and mill it yourself, I have confidence, The Force will be with you !i

But I`m serious,...It`s never been done !i

Even if they are just ZBT's they'd be perfect for the purpose of this set. You got a great deal already. My Gretsch Catalina Birch is MIT and I'm always getting compliments on how they sound. People think they're the real thing. I'll always admit that they were only $650 brand new. Makes me feel frugal. You should be able to get these sounding great, too. I think the quality control of the MIT stuff depends on the company that's putting their name on the product and also the price range that's targeted at the drums. If I recall, the Mars series was in about the same range. Not the top, but not the bottom either.