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Gretsch 1953 Drum Kit

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I have just been lucky enough to be give a Gretsch drum kit from a good friend who has had it in his loft for years. Last week I started to restore it and yesterday I fitted new heads on it. The sizes are 13", 16" 22" and 14" matching snare.

I feel so lucky to have such a wonderful drum kit and can't wait to play it in my band.

I am really interested to find out exactly what model it is, but after doing endless searching online Im still a little unsure....

The shells are all stamped 1953 internally and the inner shells are all clear. Also, I'm unsure what colour it is. I'm thinking that it has faded over time perhaps?

Any help in identifying it would be greatly appreciated!

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Posted on 8 years ago
#1
Posts: 2010 Threads: 19
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There isn't really a "model" all Gretsch drums were the same more or less. There were different setups (which were simply different size combinations of those various identically made drums). They were globally called Gretsch "Broadkaster" drums.

Looks like silver sparkle. I believe they called the 13/16/22 set The "Name Band" outfit.

Posted on 8 years ago
#2
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Thats great, many thanks for your response.

Posted on 8 years ago
#3
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I just finished a set of 53 Broadcasters for a friend. The floor tom was a red sparkle Slingy, but they sounded great! The Gretsch drums were blue sparkle all date stamped.

Nice gift!

Drum Kits
1965 Ludwig Clubdate Oyster Blue
1966 Ludwig Clubdate Oyster Black
1969 Ludwig BB Blue Oyster Keystone Clubdate
1971 Ludwig BB Black Oyster
Early 60's Camco Oaklawns Champagne Sparkle
Posted on 8 years ago
#4
Posts: 2753 Threads: 132
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I think that the previous answers were all providing you the correct information. It looks as though the original rail consolette tom mounting system is just begging for the 9x13 tom to be placed on it. The empty holes on the bass drum shell look as tough the cymbal mounting plate is missing, and maybe even the Pratt internal muffler is not attached. All in all, you received a terrific gift that requires a minimum of spiffing up to be gig ready.

No matter how far you push the envelope, it is still stationery.
Posted on 8 years ago
#5
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Thanks so much for information about the kit. I love the look of the Consolette mount but just can't get it in the right position.. yet!

I have taken a photo of the drilled holes on the bass drum. It looks to me like somebody has mounted the Consolette mount on the other side, maybe a left handed player. The top two small holes had an old premier cymbal mount that i have taken off. Also, do you think thsat the drilled holes were for a Gretsch cymbal mount? If so, I will try and seek one out to instal on it.

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Posted on 8 years ago
#6
Posts: 2010 Threads: 19
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Here's the catalog listing for what would be the closest "catalog" kit (buyers could special order things the way they wanted them to be).

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Posted on 8 years ago
#7
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From K.O.

Here's the catalog listing for what would be the closest "catalog" kit (buyers could special order things the way they wanted them to be).

Oh that makes a lot of sense, thanks very much. I hadn't seen that brochure before.

Posted on 8 years ago
#8
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The bass drum on the kit I restored had no holes for a rail. The tom had originally been mounted by a clip on tom mount. The legs were clip on as well.

1 attachment
Drum Kits
1965 Ludwig Clubdate Oyster Blue
1966 Ludwig Clubdate Oyster Black
1969 Ludwig BB Blue Oyster Keystone Clubdate
1971 Ludwig BB Black Oyster
Early 60's Camco Oaklawns Champagne Sparkle
Posted on 8 years ago
#9
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Beautiful drums, at the right price! :)

Mitch

Posted on 8 years ago
#10
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