Yeah, me too. I'm interested to hear this one...:Snow Flake:

Stencil is used because a few companies made the same drums with over 100 different names.

The drum set is the "stencil" very much like a stencil for letters.

With a stencil you can make 100's of the same letter easily but in the end you can color each one differently. Same letter different color.

Same drums different name.

David

Because it's easier and cheaper to change the lettering or branding while keeping a singular production method. So a stencil drum set refers to any basic kit design that gets branded in different ways. It's one of the efficient ways of manufacturing that is commonplace in Japan and has been for decades. We continue to do the same thing, nowadays with many objects -like automobiles.

doh!.........

You didn't just steer into an automobile thread did you?

Uh-Oh......:D

So stencil meaning pattern. What are the stencils/patterns made of?

How were the plywood shells from Japan formed?

I only have a general definition. If you want to know more, then post a question in the "Non USA" section and explore some of the information that's already been discussed there amongst the real experts on the subject of stencil drum sets. :Snow Flake:

I always thought it had to do with the copy-cat nature of the drums, like some of the brands had similar sytle lugs (like Slingerland for example) almost as if they used a stencil. Never thought about the other explanations everyone had!

My buddies can't get over the sound of my Majestics!!!Walking

There are many threads/posts from our MIJ specialist Jonnistix that you will find most informative regarding shell make-up, company history, resto advice, etc...Check them out...

Cheers