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Gretsch Progressive Jazz Walnut 1972 Stop Sign

Posts: 51 Threads: 3

Earlier this year I started a thread concerning my project to restore my vintage kit which had been through the wars during the 70s and 80s, then lain in a cupboard for over 20 years. I mistakenly labelled it "Gretsch Rosewood Lacquer 1971 Stop Sign", as for years I really believed the beautiful colour was indeed rosewood, until someone helpfully pointed me to the relevant page of the 1971 Catalogue!

I did update the thread, but I think it has sunk to the bottom of the forum, so for those who were following the saga but have not yet viewed the outcome, the full story can be found here ....

(May not work in Firefox, but OK in Chrome. No idea about IE - I'm a Mac man ...)

https://picasaweb.google.com/116410754577390367293/RobbieSKitRestorationProject

Also, if you're outside of the UK, you probably wouldn't know about Eddie Ryan, who did the restoration, and may be interested to see his site - he's put me up on the 'Famous customers' page which is very flattering, but quite inaccurate, since I'm not at all famous, just an old ex-pro, but the rest of his site may be of interest. His standards are very high, to the extent that for the past 6 years he refused to offer Black Nitron, as it's only recently he's found a wrap to match the quality of the original Gretsch product. (It's made in Germany)

http://www.eddieryancustomdrums.co.uk/famous-customers.htm

PS: he's a bass player …..

I love my kit - maybe you'll share my delight!

Robbie

Posted on 10 years ago
#1
Posts: 1142 Threads: 134

Thanks for posting an update. You're kit is like new, again.

I read the write-up on Eddie Ryan's website. What's the difference between the RB and SSB shells and when did the change occur?

-Tim

Posted on 10 years ago
#2
Posts: 51 Threads: 3

Apparently around 1970/71 there was a serious fire which more or less destroyed the drum factory, but they were able to salvage a small stock of RB shells which were then used for the launch of the SS badge. I understand from Eddie, who was at the time just starting up on his own, having been apprenticed at Boosey and Hawkes in London, making Ajax and Edgware kits, and Rogers under licence, that kits like mine are quite rare, and referred to as "Transition", which for me is, of course, a bonus!

Robbie

Posted on 10 years ago
#3
Posts: 1525 Threads: 127

Those came out spectacular !!! Beautiful kit. One thing I noticed in a 1972 era pic was you were using a snare stand for the Tom. You may have been one of the first folks doing that.

Posted on 10 years ago
#4
Posts: 51 Threads: 3

It would be nice to pretend to have been a trendsetter, but I'm afraid it's just the angle of the photo - the 12" has always hung on the original rail consolette, and what you can see is the Slingerland snare stand behind it ...

I did post earlier when the provenance of that fitting was queried that I was rather upset when it came ready fitted from the factory, as my plan was to use the Slingerland Set-o-Matic with the central 'golf ball' which I thought at the time was the best in town, and far superior to anything else on the market.

Posted on 10 years ago
#5
Posts: 407 Threads: 27

Fantastic story, and the drums looks good as new! Thanks for posting this Robbie.

-Doug

late 60s Ludwig Standard kit (blue strata)
late 60s Star kit (red satin)
Tama Rockstar Custom
a few snares ...
Posted on 10 years ago
#6
Posts: 9005 Threads: 266

Cheeses, Mary & Joseph... is this the same Robbie Murray of Seven Sinners and BTO fame? Eye Ball

If so, you sorely underestimate the degree of your own 'fame.' So good to see an old pro knocking about here. You're a most welcome addition. The kit came out great. It has a real Classic look to it and because it's your kit, the mojo is also built-in.

John

Too many great drums to list here!

http://www.walbergandauge.com/VintageVenue.htm
Posted on 10 years ago
#7
Posts: 51 Threads: 3

Och aye, certainly is, but I'm not sure who's asking?

Please identify yourself!

This link actually shows my first snare drum - a 3" John Grey Broadway single tension which I combined with a matching single tension bass drum, and a one headed floor tom tom. All with calf heads (And standard Zyn Hi-Hats and an 18" Krut crash/ride) What a kit! I used to go to gigs on the bus and stow it under the stairs. one day the bus took a corner a bit quickly, and suddenly the bass drum was rolling down the High Street. You may well think from the state of the Gretsch bass drum pre-restoration I was still taking them on the bus years later, but please believe me, it's not true ....

I had no idea this site existed and stumbled across it last year. I think I was 14

http://rockingscots.co.uk/Sinners.htm

Most embarrassing

.... but happy days .....

Posted on 10 years ago
#8
Posts: 9005 Threads: 266

> Och aye, certainly is, but I'm not sure who's asking?

Please identify yourself!

LOL - I'm 64, born and raised in Manhattan. I started playing professionally at 17. I first heard of the Sinners from a Scot guitar player (session player, so sorry I cannot recall his name,) who used to go on and on about Scotland's first 'real' rock band. I rediscovered you years later, (I 'think' the 90's) when you were out with BTO, one of my favorite bands at the time. So again I say to you, sir, you underestimate your own 'fame.'

Good to have you here, Robbie. There's a great bunch of auld phart, vintage drum loving road-warriors here.

Guid eenin, old man. Nice to see you alive and kicking... and here.

John

Too many great drums to list here!

http://www.walbergandauge.com/VintageVenue.htm
Posted on 10 years ago
#9
Posts: 51 Threads: 3

John, I'm flattered, but I think it may be a case of mistaken identity! I have already pleaded guilty to the Seven Sinners, but the only BTO I have ever had any connection with is the British Trust for Ornithology, as for the past 20 years I have been involved in the running of an owl sanctuary here in East Anglia ...

I gave up playing in the late 1980s half way through a summer season - we had just played 'The Birdie Song' for the fifth time and it was only 8:15 in the evening. This was a typical gig, and I decided there and then that it wasn't why I became a drummer ..... The following day the kit went in the cupboard and only re-emerged this year.

I'm guessing that the 'BTO" you refer to may be Bachman-Turner Overdrive, as there was certainly a Robbie there, but it wasn't me.

I'm just amazed that anyone 3000 miles away on the other side of the Atlantic would have heard of a long disbanded 'Beat Group' from a little coal mining village in Scotland 50 years ago. Our only other claim to fame was backing the Beatles on a couple of occasions, but that was before they made it big!

As an aside, I twice had early 60s Ludwig Super Classic kits in oyster pearl - the Ringo model. Worth a bit today - should have held on to them ….

Posted on 10 years ago
#10
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