DONE!
I've ordered the Gretsch Custom USA shellpack in Champagne Sparkle - to match the 4.5x14 125th Anniversary snare my wife bought me for our 25th Anniversary this past Dec 30. The snare will match perfectly with the 812/1414 toms and 1418 BD. I went for the Vintage faucet-style t-rods, CS inlayed BD hoops and Vintage BD Spurs (if the drum was 22 or larger I would go with the modern spurs). I asked for Round Badges to match my 125th Anniversary Snare but I was told by Gretsch that the Round Badges are saved for Anniversary drums only. That's okay too - I like the 'drop-G' badge they have now.
I sold 5 of my non-Gretsch snare drums for the down-payment on the shellpack. I have a buyer lined up for more drum stuff.....it's coming together!
And yes...I don't have to sell my Valjes. I was going to have Ray Ayotte build me a very special RAYA shellpack if I sold the Valjes. I didn't get any serious takers.....I guess my asking price was too high.
Beautiful job Kona and you are becoming an ace at tucking heads! Now I think you should sell the round badge floor tom, buy the Gretsch shell pack you want, and keep those gorgeous Valjes. Just my humble opinion of course :)