I agree that that could happen. However, I do find it a bit uncanny how often these purported "Jazzette" kits turn up with 14" deep bass drums. So often, in fact, that it's almost like there was some kind of trend to forego the iconic 18 X 12 bass drum size. I can't understand why that would be. It was the one thing that really separated the Jazzette kit from any other jazz-sized kit of its day. Why would there be such a plethora of "Jazzettes" with "custom-ordered" 14" deep bass drums? It doesn't make sense to me.

Yes, people did make custom orders for kits back then. It happened. But, it's much more likely a case that kits, which corresponded to the named configurations in the catalogs, were the ones sent to dealers. The marketing scheme back then was not aligned with random lists of ascending/descending drum sizes that customers could choose. It was aligned with selling "model" configurations.

But, most of all, I find it EXTREMELY unlikely that a customer, especially back in the original days, would be so particular about that kind of custom detail (the 12" vs. 14" discrepancy, I mean). That's just a guess....but it's an educated guess because I grew up back then! ;)

Also, why is it that just Jazzettes have this peculiar 12" vs. 14" deep discrepancy so often? You certainly don't see that being the case nearly as much (if ever) with Super Classic or Downbeat kits' bass drums; And those configurations were probably 800 times more common than Jazzettes! There were tons more of those models sold to customers and I can't think of one example of seeing any Super Classic or Downbeat kit showing up with 16" deep shells. Can you? x-mas2

I suspect there is some kind of alternative reason why such an "odd" sized grouping of drums coalesced into this one particular kit. If I was gambling, then I'd bet on it. x-mas3

The only way to get a better idea is to see the pictures (including interior shots of the shell), badges/numbers, etc. It would be essential to check to see the style of the bass drum spurs and exactly how they were installed. Same thing for the railmount(s). Until then, it's really anyone's guess.

I love discussions about Jazzettes! Burger Kin

I agree with O-Lugs

Taken to the extreme......

I'll order a Jazzette Outfit, but I want a 13 inch ride, a 16 inch floor and a 22 inch bass with a shell mount cymbal holder.

What do I now own.... a Jazzette "Especial".... ?

Or a Super Classic ?

My feeling is if the set is not as the catalog states, which could include some options, then it can't really be called that set.

Since the only options stated in the catalog for the Jazzette were finish, hardware, and cymbals, the drum size configuration in the catalog is the only true Jazzette.

Absolutely right. And to take it to the extreme extreme, I have never EVER seen an example of a true Jazzette kit -as referenced by the catalog. I have seen TWO mahogany Jazzette shellpacks -sans matching Supra. Neither of those examples had the complete hardware package. Neither had the Paiste cymbal package. The question then arises...."Does a catalog-depicted Jazzette kit even exist?" -Not to my knowledge....so far, at least!

Which brings up another interesting point; What is the closest known-example to a catalog-depicted Jazzette in existence? (Oooohhhh! I can hear the hairs splitting already!) ;)

Here are some pics! The bottom rim on the snare is not attached because the P83 fell apart in my hands during disassembly (doh!), so I’m waiting to replace that before I get the thing back into service. The speed king pictured is pretty haggard but still works…sort of! I have the other one somewhere, but it too has seen better days. The kit came with some Zildjians plus these hi-hats stamped ‘Zilco’ that had a sort of faux-Zildjian logo, and I recall it having 2 flat stands and a high-hat stand with these little flip-out teeth by the heel, but sadly I have no idea where any of those are today.

Here are the serials:

12” tom – 424157

12” tom - 544173

14” floor tom - 56341

18” kick - 388875

18” kick – 542099

14” snare – 539210 – I’m pretty sure that first number is a 5. (It just doesn’t look like a 3 to me…anyone think some thing else? What are the chances of getting a mis-stamp on the snare serial! Maybe more than I know:).

I’m really looking forward to getting these in the best shape I can get them in! Now that I’ve posted the ‘before’ pics, I can’t wait to post the ‘after’ ones!

Zilco were made in the Canadian factory after Zildjian closed down works there I believe. These are the real deal and not some off brand. Do you still have the hats? The hi-hat stand with the flip out teeth sounds like a Ludwig. Is there a Slingerland snare in one of those pix?

The first bass drum is set up as if it was a custom Downbeat bass drum, in that it has the offset rail mount as well as the bass drum mounted cymbal holder. From the style of arm on the rail, I would say it was from late 1967. The second bass drum has the rail mount centered but it looks like the spurs on that bass drum may have been placed on the batter side and the drum essentially reversed so that the rail mount is at the far end away from the drummer. I'd really like to see some pictures of the interiors WITHOUT all the blankets and pillows and stuff in there.

Please place the drums with the serial numbers I have made bold, in grouping together, for a picture. Thanks

jonnistix, the snare in those pics has no badge so I have no idea what it is! And I did not know that about Zilco, very interesting. I recall them being fairly light but not too quiet. They laster longer than the Zildjians these durms came with! I cracked both of the Zildjians many many years ago...I tried the 'drill holes at the ends of the cracks' trick, but eventually the cracks circled all the way around and I ended up with sharp, tiny little bells and just threw them out. I was 17 and couldn't afford cymbals so I had to make 'em last as long as I could!

O-Lugs, my brother is playing the other 3 pieces while I refinish the first 3. I'll arrange a visit with him so i can take some full kit pics, some interiors pics and some pics with the serials arranged in order.

In the meantime, here are the interiors of what I have with me plus a slightly better pic of the kit that's at my bro's place.

Okay, the picture of the kit set up....The bass drum is backwards from the way it should be. I need to see the interior without the blankets to get a look at the mounts form the inside.

Regarding the two interior shots of the drums you have with you...The interior shot of the bass drum appears to be void of any extra holes, so I'll call this a custom Downbeat 18" X 14" bass drum configuration -although, officially, that was not ever a listed option for the Downbeat kit. By the same token, a 14" deep bass drum was never offered as an option to a Jazzette, either, but that set up has more in common with a Downbeat setup than it does with a Jazzette.

You've got a lot of work ahead of you to get those drums in any kind of presentable order.

I can say for certain that neither kit would be considered a Jazzette. Essentially, and above all else, the Jazzette has to have a 12" deep bass drum.

I will reserve further comment until after I can see better shots of the interiors of the drums your brother has.

Can you post some good, clean and clear pix of the 3 line snare? And are interested in selling it, if it what I think it is? I would have to see it first, the strainer, butt and muffler are all key. Let's see it!