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Kent Snare Drums?

Posts: 194 Threads: 62

Any experts on these things here? I have a chance to score one for around 150 in good shape, an 8-lugger with tone control, all original. My main questions are about wood/date and the throw off.

The seller claims it's an early '70s drum, but nothing further. I read somewhere awhile ago that Kent began to get their shells made in Japan at some point, but wasn't looking for a Kent drum then. Not even sure how true that is. From what I know prior to that shells were 2 ply maple possibly? Does anyone know for sure about this stuff?

And the throw is original and is said to be in good shape, but I've also heard they can be fussy. It looks a bit like a Microsensitive. I know the original throws are probably impossible to find in working order, so if that thing craps out can I sub any other strainer (maybe one of the new Micros) without drilling new holes?

Thanks.

Posted on 10 years ago
#1
Posts: 1362 Threads: 229

Sounds like an MIJ Kent snare to me. I have an 8 lugger from the 60's and have owned at some point up to 4 Kent snares from the 60's.

Sonor SQ2 10 14 18 American Walnut
L.A. Camco 12 14 18 Moss Green
Gretsch Round Badge 12 14 18 w/snare Champagne
Gretsch Round Badge 12 14 20 w/snare Burgundy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhdcpleTKlI

82nd ABN DIV OEF OIF Combat Infantry Veteran
Posted on 10 years ago
#2
Posts: 194 Threads: 62

Thanks. How's it tune up? Have you done any recording with it?

Posted on 10 years ago
#3
Posts: 2264 Threads: 83

I have a tangerine sparkle USA made 6 lug snare in excellent condition w/Earthtone calf skin head I'd ship to you for much less than $150.. Just send me a PM.

The greatest gift you can give your family and the world is a healthy you. - Joyce Meyer
Posted on 10 years ago
#4
Posts: 611 Threads: 33

From Jay_M

Any experts on these things here? I have a chance to score one for around 150 in good shape, an 8-lugger with tone control, all original. My main questions are about wood/date and the throw off. The seller claims it's an early '70s drum, but nothing further. I read somewhere awhile ago that Kent began to get their shells made in Japan at some point, but wasn't looking for a Kent drum then. Not even sure how true that is. From what I know prior to that shells were 2 ply maple possibly? Does anyone know for sure about this stuff?And the throw is original and is said to be in good shape, but I've also heard they can be fussy. It looks a bit like a Microsensitive. I know the original throws are probably impossible to find in working order, so if that thing craps out can I sub any other strainer (maybe one of the new Micros) without drilling new holes?Thanks.

That is WAY tooooo much for a 70s MIJ Kent snare . Keep looking . The 50s and 60s ones are the thin maple shells . And the ones you want .

Warning ... Avoid member statuscymbal here, vintage_collector on DFO , and americanpatriot10 on eBay. Email me for his name. All are the same shady guy who has burned me and a list of other members on both boards . He is also selling on Facebook too ..
Posted on 10 years ago
#5
Posts: 2148 Threads: 177

I agree..

Too much..

$40/75 is about right..

Bop iT / Til U Drop iT.

ROGER's
1964 Cleveland,.18/14/12 in WMP
1966 Cleveland, 20/14/12 O'natural.
Fullerton,...20/16/13/12 Silver Glass

WFL
1957 B/R Super Classics In WMP

Snares..
Wood & COB Powertones,
Wood & COB Dynasonics,
57 Jazz Festival

Zildjian avedis cymbals.
40s/60s era.
Posted on 10 years ago
#6
Posts: 194 Threads: 62

Thanks for the input. I'd never pay that for a MIJ, I just wasn't sure when they switched over from maple to luan and the seller isn't sure about the date. I guess the strainer is proof - and apparently 8 lug '60s maple ones are rare.

Posted on 10 years ago
#7
Posts: 1362 Threads: 229

From Jay_M

Thanks for the input. I'd never pay that for a MIJ, I just wasn't sure when they switched over from maple to luan and the seller isn't sure about the date. I guess the strainer is proof - and apparently 8 lug '60s maple ones are rare.

Not super rare. I found a few over the past year. Mine sounds awesome after I had edge work done on it. No regrets and I have gigged it already.

Sonor SQ2 10 14 18 American Walnut
L.A. Camco 12 14 18 Moss Green
Gretsch Round Badge 12 14 18 w/snare Champagne
Gretsch Round Badge 12 14 20 w/snare Burgundy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhdcpleTKlI

82nd ABN DIV OEF OIF Combat Infantry Veteran
Posted on 10 years ago
#8
Posts: 1345 Threads: 175

Let me weigh in on this. I've got the low down on Kent drums. I'm the curator of the Kent museum in North Kentshire.

Well, of course Kent were made by Lord Joseph B Kent, or old whiskey Joe as he was more commonly known. These drums are dated circa 1955 - 1964 and they were each handmade from the finest cuts of hand selected rich mahogany. It has been rumored that Kent himself felled each tree used in production of his Kent drums, so you know they're good. He took a lot of pride in his work until his untimely demise from huffing paint fumes. And that's all we know about the man and his drums.

But really, I'm just kidding. I couldn't tell you much about Kent other than they're a nice sounding drum from what I've heard. :p

8 lugs though? I'd pass, maybe a Kent kit, but without the snare. Now that's be nice, but go get that snare if you like it. :)

Posted on 10 years ago
#9
Posts: 194 Threads: 62

Ha! I'm really looking for a Hollywood Ace or one of those Ajax Pipers…something in that vein - a good, warm 8-lug '60s era wood snare with tone control. Was just trying to save a buck or two and lean on heads, tuning and wires to inch closer to that sound. Most older Kents I see are 6 luggers and every 6 lugger I had I had to keep at low tuning. The hunt continues...

Posted on 10 years ago
#10
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