This guide is to help people that are buying or selling Japanese Drums.  A little history is in order to help with the topic at hand.

It was not until the 60's that these drums entered the US market in large quantities.  It is well documented that two companies later to be named Pearl and Tama were the driving force behind the importing and naming of these drums. 

These drums are referred to as "Stencil Kits" and this term applies to the fact that the drums were all the same, just different badges were used to give the drums different names.

I have dcoumented 60 different names and have images of many of the different badges on the main vintage drum guide web site.

These stencil kits were modeled after popular drums of that era.  Some look like Slingerland, Rogers, and Gretsch with similar lugs, hoops and other hardware to compete directly with the US makers.

This put a dent in US drum sales prompting companies like Ludwig to make lower priced drums to compete directly with the imports.  The Ludwig Standards were Ludwig's answer and now are becoming more collectible, because Ludwig's lower level drums were actually made with the same shells as their more expensive drums of that time.

(Crown Snare Drum)

(Star Snare Drum)

Here are some badges that were used: (There are about 50 badges on the main web site)

Some of the more tell-tale signs of a Japanese drum is the direction of the wood grain.   If you are looking at the drum and the grain runs up and down (hoop-to-hoop) it is a Japanese snare drum.

They were made with (Philippine Mahogany) and is a cheap wood usually used on the inside of doors and cabinets.

The hardware is cheaper and the chrome is not very durable and is easily scratched if cleaned with steel wool (Not accepted with todays drum restorers on any drum).  The other drum parts are not high quality and the snare strainers are poorly designed and do not function as good as American made drums of the same era.

The snare drums usually sell between $45 and $80 (If it is a unique finish and a must have for two competing bidders) and $150 - $300 for complete sets (less cymbals and hardware).

Thanks

The Drum Experts