It's December and all I can say is, "where did the year go?" I can remember when I was young how it seemed like Christmas would never come. Now, it seems like the years are flying by. One thing never changes, when it gets Christmas time all the kids start thinking about getting some new toys. Even though I have joined the senior citizens rank, I like getting new toys myself. The drum from my collection I am featuring this month is sort of a toy drum. This Mastro snare drum was offered to the public as more than a toy and not quite a student musical instrument. It was another effort to supply young people, who had been influenced by The Beatles, with an affordable instrument. I have said it before, after The Beatles played on The Ed Sullivan Show, almost every young person wanted to play an instrument. The Mastro drum even had a connection with the Beatles.
The Mastro plastic snare drum kit came with the drum, a stand, sticks, and an instruction booklet. I have here a complete kit with the original box in very nice condition. This particular set is not really rare, but there is a version of this snare with a picture of the Beatles on the head. That set is rare and very desirable in any collection. Mastro drums were made by Mario Maccaferri who was a pioneer in plastic instruments. His company in New York City made mostly plastic ukuleles and bongos. When the Beatles came on the scene the demand for drums and guitars increased. Mastro's product line grew to include other plastic instruments like drums. The company made a deal with the Beatles to use their images and names on some of their instruments. That deal probably didn't last long. As the Beatles' fame grew their names and images ended on the drums.
This red sparkle plastic drum has a two piece shell. The lugs are plastic with a metal insert. The rims and heads are also plastic. The snare wire and rods are the only other metal parts. This drum actually has a good sound and is even used in the recording studio by some recording session drummers. I know that for a fact because I have personally sold one of these to a well known session drummer. Another such drummer looking at my collection spent a lot of time looking at this drum. He was very nostalgic as he spoke of wanting one of these when he was a boy. The cost was more than his parents could pay for it and he didn't get it. I thought he was going to make me an offer for mine, but he never did. I bought this one on E-Bay. As I said, they are almost always for sale. A nice one with the box is cool and a good buy. The Beatles one is the best buy, but you will pay for it.
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy drum hunting.