Elvin Jones', Elvin Jones Jazz Machine, Camco 5-Piece Drum Set, 18", 18", 16", 13", 12", Stunning! 1977-1978 - Mahogany

Elvin Jones, Elvin Jones Jazz Machine, Camco 5-Piece Drum Set, 18", 18", 16", 13", 12", Stunning! 1977-1978 - Mahogany

In the late 1970s the Tama drum company invited Elvin Jones to endorse their newly acquired Camco drum line. Elvin’s legendary history made him the perfect representative for Camco, who were marketing themselves to a predominantly jazz playing audience.

Elvin Jones owned this Camco set from 1977 through 2000. The set was one of three nearly identical Camco sets he owned and used while endorsing Camco drums. It eventually became his "West Coast" set and was used predominantly for Elvin's gigs on the West Coast. During this period Elvin played the set at several famous venues including Yoshi's Jazz club and the Keystone Corner in San Francisco, as well as a number of drum clinics. The set was kept at the California home of his friend and sometimes assistant, Dan Sabonovich so that he could arrange delivery of the set to Elvin's west coast performances. Elvin gave the set to Sabonovich in 2000. We acquired the set directly from Sabonovich.

The set consists of 8×12, 9×13, 16×16, 18×18, and a 14×18 bass drum all in Mahogany stain lacquer with clear maple interiors. All drums have a "USA-Camco" cloud badge and reinforcing rings. The set is in excellent condition, however I'll point out a few minor flaws. There is a very minor split in the inner ply of the bass drum under one of the bass spur mounts. The split does not go through to the exterior ply. There is some slight chipping of the finish at the bottom of the bass spur mount on the outside of the drum. You have to look closely to find it (see pics). Otherwise the finishes are in exceptional condition. There is some pitting on some of the lug casings. All of the fittings and mounts are strong, secure and working just like they should.

The heads are a combination of well played Camco and Tama logo Ambassadors. The bass drum includes Elvin's original "Camco, Elvin Jones Jazz Machine" logo drum head. The photos depict the condition of the set accurately. The set includes a complete set of five hard cases stenciled with “Elvin Jones Jazz Machine”.

I'm not even going to try to describe how this set sounds. Just listen to the attached video. These drums sound like pure Elvin!

This period of Camco drums period was short-lived but distinctive. Camco mahogany kits from this era are extremely rare, and highly regarded for their great tone.

Here's some really helpful info we received from our friend @CamcoDrummer after posting our video on YouTube,

“This kit is number 1 or 2 of the first production kits Hoshino made. There were 4 prototypes made first, then 2 production kits, one for Steve Miller (Gary Malabar) and Elvins kit..not sure which was first. Elvins might be the first in this color ( mahogany). Note the low badges..the first bunch of kits made in 1978 had mufflers which sat above the badge (like Tama did with their kits). These were left off of Elvins kit.”

The cymbals in the photos and video, are all part of our Elvin Jones cymbal collection. They will be available separately.

Only the toms, bass, 5 cases, tom mount, floor tom legs and logo bass head are included.

All other hardware, cymbals and snare are not included.

Certificate of authenticity signed by Dan Sabonovich.

I recommend shipping via crated freight. It's the safest and ultimately cheapest way to ship a high value set like this. Freight price is a good faith estimate. Buyer will pay actual shipping charges. The set will ship from Seattle, WA. Local pick up is welcomed.