Premier drums were good enough for Keith Moon, Clem Burke, and at one time,

Mitch Mitchell.. The only thing that weakens the value of Premier drums are those nutty sizes, and the lug tension screws needing an actual screw driver to tension..

Neither of which are an issue with this kit

After some more research it turns out that these drums have slightly under sized shells which is supposed to enhance the sound as the head will stretch over the bearing edge better . . . . .blah . . . . blah . . . . .blah . I did buy the drums for $299, but now wonder if this slightly smaller shell is gonna be a problem. This is completely separate than the metric size issue. It was done intentionally. If you look closely at the pictures I attached, you can see that there is about a half inch all around the rim/drum head before it meets the shell. Is this cool or does this suck? I guess I will have to wait and see.

It is typically considered a good thing to have a slightly undersized shell. It is a feature on most Sonor drums.

Kenney Jones and many other pro drummers used Soundwave. That may be all the answer you need?

http://www.thewho.net/whotabs/gear/drums/drums7982.html

Three-ply birch Premier drums are fantastic.

It wasn't a problem with my kit. The lugs are mounted on a separate plinth to raise them so there's no rod splay. I'm not sure if it improved the sound or tuning but it didn't hurt it.

BTW - $299 for a quality set of drums is nothing. My car costs me more than that every time it goes to the shop

Premier Series Elite (their current top Taiwanese line) are also undersized. My experience is that head choice has more impact on overall sound than other drums I play. Even Evans Hydraulic will sing on an undersized shell! Personally, I'm sold on it. I love my Elites more and more each time I use them.

You can read some comments from me about undersized toms here:

http://maturedrummer.blogspot.com/2013/10/premier-series-classic-elite-bullet.html

(non-commercial blog)

Thanks for all of the great feedback.

Thanks for the link. I love coming to this site.

You got a great deal on that kit. Guys will pay that kind of money for a beater MIJ kit. I think you will find that those drums sound great. Premier drums in the 50-70's were fantastic and very undervalued. The undersized shells should be a plus for you.