How ironic. I just inherited a set (12/13/16/22) of these in natural finish yesterday.

Here's what you have: http://www.vintagedrumguide.com/rogers_drumsets_1983.html

MIT drums made around 1983 by Island Music with a Rogers foil badge. Unfortunately, these are not the Rogers you're looking for.

I don't know what I'm going to do with my set yet, but they are stacked and waiting for an idea. Maybe going to try the Glitter Spray Can re-finish.

-Tim

That link shows the Rogers top line XP8 drums from the 1983 catalog.

That is not what that floor tom is at all.

The R380 drums were Rogers early 80's attempt to offer something entry-level. They were pretty generic Taiwan-made drums, made with Lauan shells. A lot of the parts can be found on other Asian drums from the period.

The earlier R360/R380 drums were offered in the late 60's/early 70's, they had oval badges. Those were made in Japan by Yamaha and were actually pretty good drums for the price. Some collectors are fond of them.

Unfortunately the 80's R380 drums have no collector value at all.

Sorry for the not-so-good news...

Thanks Thornbeck. and DanC

Rats, I looked at that page too. I see... It's barely visible in the r-380 photo.

Does that mean they are the "later" 380's?

Well this floor tom sounds really good so maybe I'll convert to a cocktail kit bass drum. Hmmm.

I wonder if anyone would be interested in the cool tone control? I really hate to give up on it and take it apart for parts. Besides, these lugs look too cool.

That page is confusing, they stuck that R380 photo in there with the topline drums for some reason.

Yes those, and yours, are from the early 80's.

Yes, it's confusing. I should have said click on the 4th picture. The wood grain R-380 in the picture is what I just acquired.

I wonder how much "mahogany" is really in the 9-ply shells. ;)

-Tim

The 'mahogany' they refer to is actually 'Lauan' or 'Philippine' Mahogany, not the same as used in other vintage brand USA drums. A much cheaper and more brittle species, usually used with a vertical grain.

From the web:

"The wood name Philippine Mahogany is a loose term that applies to a number of wood species coming from southeast Asia. Another common name for this wood is Meranti: while yet another name that is commonly used when referring to plywood made of this type of wood is Lauan. (And even though it’s called Philippine Mahogany, it bears no relation to what is considered to be “true” mahogany in the Swietenia and Khaya genera.) "

Hey Thornbeck. Have you played your new acquisition? I'm curious to see if you like the tone as much as I do.

I'm still trying to justify keeping it as a floor tom while it might make a very cool cocktail bass drum.

I wonder if the bottom head would be of any value to Rogers folks?

It's the original Rogers reso I'm guessing, and it has no mars or dents.

DanC, Thanks for clearing that up. Quite an interesting history Rogers has had.

Here is a picture of the basket case. :) Original Rogers R-380 heads. It's missing the bottom hoops/tension rods on the 12" and 13" toms and one of the pot-metal tom mounts is cracked. Other than that, they are pretty much original. The nuts for the spurs are rattling around inside the bass drum.

I have not played them yet.

-Tim

I really like that wood grain. Great orange/red tone to it.

I guess I'll start my own fan club for this era. :)