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Gretsch round badge--bass drum badge question

Posts: 1118 Threads: 30

Hey all!

I have a simple question that somebody here, with access to the appropriate items, might be able to answer: What size drill bit fits snugly in the hole of a round badge for a bass drum?

...I bought a kit, but the bass drum was missing the badge. Since restoring the shell, I've wanted to get a replacement badge, but $150 on eBay is ungodly expensive. I bought a snare round badge, thinking that I could simply drill the hole a little larger. Then, I recently acquired another bass drum, complete with badge, so there was no need to drill a larger hole. Well, after removing the badge from THIS drum, it turns out that the badge was actually another snare badge (imposter!!!) So, I don't know what size of a hole a legitimate bass drum round badge has. I figure the most accurate way of measuring the hole would be to figure out which size of drill bit fits snugly, as one man's 9mm might be another man's 10mm...

Thanks in advance for any help!

1970 Ludwig Downbeat
1965 Ludwig Hollywood
1970 Ludwig Jazzette
Posted on 12 years ago
#1
Posts: 80 Threads: 6

From caddywumpus

Hey all!I have a simple question that somebody here, with access to the appropriate items, might be able to answer: What size drill bit fits snugly in the hole of a round badge for a bass drum? ...I bought a kit, but the bass drum was missing the badge. Since restoring the shell, I've wanted to get a replacement badge, but $150 on eBay is ungodly expensive. I bought a snare round badge, thinking that I could simply drill the hole a little larger. Then, I recently acquired another bass drum, complete with badge, so there was no need to drill a larger hole. Well, after removing the badge from THIS drum, it turns out that the badge was actually another snare badge (imposter!!!) So, I don't know what size of a hole a legitimate bass drum round badge has. I figure the most accurate way of measuring the hole would be to figure out which size of drill bit fits snugly, as one man's 9mm might be another man's 10mm...Thanks in advance for any help!

I replaced a badge on a RB BD after replacing the badge area of the drum with a patch (so I was basically starting from scratch). I drilled a 1/2" hole into the shell which allowed the stock Gretsch grommet (which should measure 17/32") to be snugly press-fit into the hole.

Posted on 12 years ago
#2
Posts: 1118 Threads: 30

From vwfreak

I replaced a badge on a RB BD after replacing the badge area of the drum with a patch (so I was basically starting from scratch). I drilled a 1/2" hole into the shell which allowed the stock Gretsch grommet (which should measure 17/32") to be snugly press-fit into the hole.

Thanks! Was the badge you used an actual bass drum badge? There are two Gretsch "stock grommets" for this era--the snare badge grommet and the bass drum badge grommet. I'm just wondering if this is legit sizing, and I figured that SOMEBODY on this forum would have a bass drum round badge just lying around.

I'm headed to the local vintage drum shop to inquire today. Hopefully I find my answer today, but I would love a couple more people to verify the sizing. Thanks!

1970 Ludwig Downbeat
1965 Ludwig Hollywood
1970 Ludwig Jazzette
Posted on 12 years ago
#3
Posts: 80 Threads: 6

From caddywumpus

Thanks! Was the badge you used an actual bass drum badge? There are two Gretsch "stock grommets" for this era--the snare badge grommet and the bass drum badge grommet. I'm just wondering if this is legit sizing, and I figured that SOMEBODY on this forum would have a bass drum round badge just lying around.I'm headed to the local vintage drum shop to inquire today. Hopefully I find my answer today, but I would love a couple more people to verify the sizing. Thanks!

This is an exact size for a proper Gretsch BD badge grommet. Snares were about 3/8" but I haven't put calipers on one yet.

Are you trying to drill out a snare badge to fit the BD? If that's the case just get a nickle or silver colored grommet, drill the badge hole 1/32" larger than the grommet and the hole in the bass drum 1/32" smaller. Then tap it in carefully!!! I used a piece of nylatron (a plastic kind of block) to avoid hitting the badge and grommet with a hammer.

Posted on 12 years ago
#4
Posts: 30 Threads: 15

If anybody finds a good source for Gretsch Bass Drum grommets, I'd like to know. I've been looking for a while and all that I have found are the ones for the snares.

Posted on 12 years ago
#5
Posts: 1118 Threads: 30

From jake52776

If anybody finds a good source for Gretsch Bass Drum grommets, I'd like to know. I've been looking for a while and all that I have found are the ones for the snares.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/70216552/135mm-1732-eyelet-leather-grommet

1970 Ludwig Downbeat
1965 Ludwig Hollywood
1970 Ludwig Jazzette
Posted on 12 years ago
#6
Posts: 9005 Threads: 266

From caddywumpus

http://www.etsy.com/listing/70216552/135mm-1732-eyelet-leather-grommet

Bloody brilliant!

John

Too many great drums to list here!

http://www.walbergandauge.com/VintageVenue.htm
Posted on 12 years ago
#7
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