I found a set online near me can you give me your opinion? It is a Tama Superstar basic kit comes with a crash,ride,high hat, throne, deadening pads. The owner cannot tell me the age as she bought it for her son used. She is asking $500. Does it sound like a good deal?
Thanks
Dadu,
I write this, backed by 31+ years of being a drummer.
Check out the drums and make sure they're in good shape.
Remember that hardware and finishes can be modified and/or replaced.
Cymbals can be replaced (in some cases, repaired), too.
As long as the shell is in good shape, you're good to go.
If all of that checks out, then by all means...
.....BUT IT NOW!...RUN! DO NOT WALK! BUY THOSE DRUMS
NOW!
Superstar has been always been considered a good drum and has always been ranked (in the hierarchy of Tama's offerings) as one of their "flagship" lines.
This is true of the orignals and of the drums made now.
If your sons take to drumming, chances are, they will go through all the changes we've all gone through as time goes on.
Right now, it'll be the coolest kit in the world, but sooner or later, they will probably find something they think is cooler and this one will be left in the dust....
...and at that time, if Dad still feels it might be fun to get back behind a kit, here's a nice little kit just waiting for you.
Think of it as a "permanent loan". =)
Elvis