I recently bought an 8x12 Kent tom off the bay. $20 of curiosity.

It's a really fantastic sounding tom. Thin 2 ply maple shell, very open tone. The edges had a couple really minor issues. But with no re-ring, a 2ply edge is really easy to sand. USA Kents are heads above any MIJ's.

I think the sparkle and fade on this kit is pretty cool. Looks like they are asking $395 from the tag, and I would buy them for $300 any day.

The wrap on these drums looks to be typical of the lower quality wraps used by the Asian factories and some European factories. That wrap tends to age with lots of "freckles" from moisture getting under the top ply of plastic. It also becomes sandpapery to the touch. The upper end Kent drums that I have seen remind me of the first step-up quality Pearl drums coming from Japanese based factories. The first step-up Yamahas (including the Japanese-made Rogers R-380 series) were of higher quality.

There's an antique store here in town that has a 3 piece Kent (kick,tom,ft) in kinda orange sparkle they want $40. I may have to get em just for something to do.

What really set 1960's Kents apart from imports was the fact that they used maple shells and heavy, solid brass lugs. Even the tom mounts were better than imports of that era. If you take a look at 1950's-60's Gretsch hardware (bass spurs, tom mounts, cymbal holders) it's about the same quality as Kent.

$40! for the drums! Grab them - now.

I think they're an interesting part of the USA drum history. I've read through CoopersVintagedrums website a few times and I like it.

I bought this Kent drum a few years ago and I sometimes use it with my 50's Gretsch kit. It does sound like a drum.

sealclubber. My 9x13 Kent tom is the same finish with same badge blue foil badge here....

I wish it was 40. they are 400. I really like that club date style tom. your wrap looks a bit brighter.

thanks for all the help guys. didn't think a 'lower grade' set would get as much of a response. I think ill check with the seller today. see if it is as firm as he says and if I can further check them out.. inside.

ive seen a few people mention they have a similar construction to a Gretsch.. but no reference to how they SOUND comparatively. is there a huge difference?

Cooper, really nice page man. ill be looking that up any time I find a kent from now on.

Ya - there was an issue with my t-rods not lining up with the lugs. I had to round-file the hoop t-rod holes a bit and do the same with one of the lugs screw holes in the shell - it worked fine. The edges were a little rough here and there - fixed easy enough though. Boy...were they sloppy with the glue inside the shells on some of these drums! I mostly left that though - count it as historic warts haha.

As far as the tone of my drum goes - it's nice and open, much like my 50's Gretsch 3ply shells....maybe a little less responsive to tuning than the die-cast rimmed shells.

Hope you get the drums - I think their asking price is fare but if you can get them for less why not.

Good luck!

Gary

I wouldn't pay 400 for a set of Kents when there are much better vintage kits selling in that price range

...just my humble opinion

Jeff ,

I dug your restoration thread you did on your set . I am interested in the fact you have never even played the set . Why is that ? You did all the work on them . And why would you think that a Kent set would not be a great gigging set ? Quite the contrary actually . They are much more than just a conversation piece . Hell , VDF member Mouse plays many of his Kent sets out all the time .

Donnie

Donnie wrote: With good edges these can go up against a set that will cost you 3 or more times the price.

True dat! A drum building buddy of mine got hold of a WMP maple shelled Kent kit that was in pristine condition. When he pulled the heads, there were no bearing edges! The guy cut some new vintage round-over edges on the shells and I can tell you that it was one great sounding set of drums. As good as anything from the big four.

John