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Vintage 50s Ajax - 20/16/14/12

Estimated price for orientation: 525 $

Category: Sets and Kits
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Description
Condition: Used: An item that has been used previously. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended. This item may be a floor model or store return that has been used. See the seller’s listing for full details and description of any imperfections. See all condition definitions- opens in a new window or tab ... Read moreabout the condition Brand: Ajax
Country/Region of Manufacture: United Kingdom Items Included: 20x16/16x15/14x14/12x8


Here for sale we have a very nice 1950s Ajax in the first generation Blue Pearl wrap. Its a shame these kits are somewhat under-appreciated given the quality of construction, then again you get a really excellent sounding set of vintage tubs for yr money. These were used back in the day by many a Brit drumming great ... Jack Parnell, Ronnie Verrell, Phil Seaman, Kenny Clare and more ... The shells are made with a vertical ply layup, unique among Brit manufacturers of the time I believe. Something a certain US drum company now proclaims as an innovation all their own, or some such guff.These came tom me some years ago as a rather unloved 20/12 and 16x18. The deep floor was convex and looked to be with child (quite common with these particular drums). So the wrap was removed and reapplied to a new 14x14 shell from A Tocknell. Same spec as the Ajax shells, thin birch ply, vertical layup with rerings. Came out well, the wrap has a bit of greening to the rear unseen during play. There are a few disc infills from previous fixings but you'll be hard put to spot them. I also acquired another 16x15 in the Blue Pearl wrap, it came with another unloved set that I strongly suspect was put together by Vic O'Brien outfitted and badged as Ajax. It is a bit undersized, less than 16". So the luggage has been fitted with 3mm rubber gaskets to avoid splay. the badge was in the wrong place too so that has been moved and the original holes dowel and disc filled. It is a bit lighter in shade than the other 3 drums too. The shell itself is identical to the Ajax ones as far as I can tell but its original provenance remains a mystery. So, what you get is ...20x16 Bass drum. Birch shell with solid rerings. 16 large bullet lugs, original claws and long slot head tension rods x 16. Original rail mount bracket, I don't have the connecting arm piece, these are pretty rare. No spurs ever fitted, it comes with a pair of hoop mounted shorties that do the job well. A crack in the wrap to the bottom panel has been restuck and is very sound, you don't see this. Hoops have been repainted in black and lacquered. Used Hayman branded Ambassador fitted to batter (has been reinforced with a disc) plus smooth white Everplay with new logo to reso head.16x15 Floor tom. Birch shell with solid rerings. 16 small bullet lugs, slot headed tension bolts all round. Cast hoops and Gladstone style single point leg mounts plus original straight legs with new rubbers. Clear Headmaster to batter and generic single ply clear to reso head.14x14 Floor tom. Birch shell with ply rerings, Ajax clone. 16 small bullet lugs, slot headed tension bolts all round. Cast hoops plus plate style leg mounts and new repro legs with new rubbers. Clear CS to batter and generic single ply clear to reso head.12x8 Ride tom. Birch shell with solid rerings. 12 small bullet lugs, slot headed tension bolts all round. Cast hoops plus original bracket for mount arm. Clear CS to batter and generic single ply clear to reso head.All in a pretty unique and eye-catching set. Ready to go out of the box it will make some savvy drummer very happy i'm sure. All issues have been outlined above though it is worth adding that some pitting and chrome loss will be found to the metalwork commensurate with the age of the drums. Please peruse the photos at your leisure. I'll be sorry to see them go, unfortunately I need the space and must rationalise my collection though ...
Included in this sale are the four drums (20/16/14/12) ONLY and all other items (hardware/cymbals) are shown for illustrative purposes only and are NOT FOR SALE in this listing. Having said that the rather fine 14x5 Pipper snare seen with the set is for sale on another of my listings. I will post these drums to anywhere in the known world, they may have to be consigned in two boxes due to weight and safety restrictions ... Prices quoted for Worldwide shipping is an estimate only, some locations may be considerably more and some may be less so please get in touch for an accurate price for shipping to your destination. Only actual shipping costs will be charged. I accept payment by Paypal, bank transfer or even good old foldin' money should collection be made ...Any questions or further picture requirements? Get in touch ... dirtyboppa@gmail.com