[COLOR="DarkRed"]Hi Kelly. Nice nab, BTW.

hehehe...your question must be the SUBJECT OF THE WEEK here...there are like 2 or 3 other threads recently discussing just this.

Well, heres my 2 cents:

1) I agree...the current finish is a refinish job...and a BAD one at that.

2) In such, the standard argument against refinishing (i.e." if you remove the original finish and replace it with new, you reduce the value of the kit") is a moot point her. Someone has already done that....so.....

3) Either remaining option is a good one, and will be an overall improvement to the kit. You can do rewrap (and yes...choose a period-specific color/pattern which Gretsch produced back then) or you can have it professionally refinished.

Also, you are keeping it for your kit...so you gotta ask yourself...do I want my kit to look like this ?

I would go for a change. [/COLOR]

Thanks, yep, I hope to keep it for my own kit.

I was wondering if when attaching a new wrap, I should use tape or not?

Also, what are best choices for a Gretsch period wrap and where to purchase it? Starlite sparkle, Champagne sparkle ?? I have looked at a few sites that sell wrap, but wonder what anyone's exprerience has been in in buying and applying wrap??

Thanks again for all the help here! ;)

[COLOR="DarkRed"]Uh-oh...now you've gone and done itEye Ball...

Hehehe...it's a debate which rages on drum forums.

I say, you gotta do it the old-school way (which, IMHO is the right way). You do glue to the shell, then just use hi-bond tape to do the seams.

Others here would say that the tape method (ala jamminsam.com, etc.) works fine and is...removable.

Respectfully, I disagree with both. Wraps will expand and contract with time and changes of environment/temperature/humidity/sunlight/shade/etc. After a few years of a taped wrap, areas which are NOT taped to the shell or beneath the lugs become loose and separate from the shell. Glued wraps have no such problem. Secondly...man...has anyone ever tried to remove hi-bond taped wrap from a wood shell ? If the tape is top-quality (which it needs to be to keep the wrap adhered) it is a BEAR trying to do that...even with a heatgun. Again, just my 2 cents. Perhaps others' experiences have been easier.

Gluing is harder, and you need to be careful. But, certainly not rocket-science.

The color and style of wrap is your choice...as long as it's a color/pattern which Gretsch did back then, I say you are good to go....

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Thanks for the advice. Starlite sparkle , Champagne sparkle?? so many choices....I'm looking at old adverts for Grestch with Elvin Jones and Art Blakey to check on colors as well as the catalogs on this great site. The Mel Lewis kit I believe was Champagne Sparkle?

Kelly

I won't go into the tape vs. glue thing yet again (you can thank me now Jaye).

As for finish... if I had a Gretsch kit to restore/refinish, Satin Flame would be my choice. Love that look!

[COLOR="Sienna"]Hehehe...you can if you want....it was unfair of me to bring it up again, so I appreciate your restraint and will return the favor next time ;)....

like I said before, different strokes....

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:rolleyes:Very kewl! Was Satin Flame a popular wrap for Gretsch?

I see you guys have had a dispute in the past over glue vs. tape. As a newbie I Have yet to re-wrap a single drum and even cringe at the thoughtelectricit

I watched Jammin sams re-wrap video and that really helped boost a little confidence. I don't mean to open up old cans o' worms here and sorry if I did.

Just a newbie with a love for the old tubs like you!!!Walking

Thanks for the advice. When I get these babies done I will post the pics and maybe leave you guessing as to glue or tape just for fun hehehe...

[COLOR="DarkRed"]Search for old Grestch catalogs online...you can usually find the wrap swatch pages....

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