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ALTER OR NOT TO ALTER ? - Gretsch Tom

Posts: 2713 Threads: 555

I bought this 8x12 Gretsch tom about a month ago.

It appears to be a SSB#1 (going by serial #). The drum looks like it has the original wrap - Silver Glitter and the badge and tag do not look like they've been altered.

The drum is a little funny in that the batter head lugs sit at 1 11/16" and the reso lugs start at 1 1/2"

That is 3/16" difference. The drum shell is almost 12" on the nose and that is why someone cut the finish back. I say someone meaning it is obviously after factory. They did not take this lug hole difference into account when they cut it back - the finish was cut back the same amount on each end. The bare shell shows when the head is tightened down. On the batter side you can't tighten a head to high pitch because the finish is in the way.

The finish looks to be factory. The batter bearing edge had a little high spot - right where the plys join (I sanded it down - yes I altered it - it had to be done!)

I can play the drum okay the way it is but I'm thinking (hoping) it may have a very nice Rock Maple outer ply under that wrap. If it does I would like to put a natural finish on this drum.

My question is this....

Most of the vintage value - from a player point of view - has been destroyed because of cutting back the finish like you see here - so no guilt in altering??

I just hate altering drums unless there is very good reason. Mostly because there might be someone out there looking for the VINTAGE drum you have in you hands in order to complete a very nice old drum kit. That person might even be me one day......

It's so tempting though - to look under the wrap. And - if I did take the wrap off and did not like what I saw -there's alway creative lacquering. Again - no wrapping - the drum is too wide....nearly 12" right on. What were they thinking?? Ahhh - the Baldwin Years......(I know Gretsch did this as well even before Baldwin bought the company but I just could not resist). All in fun here - no harm intended.Coffee Break2

Posted on 12 years ago
#1
Posts: 229 Threads: 15

Copied this post from Drummerworld....too bad the previous owner of your drum didn't see this:

"I have more that a few vintage drums,and some of them are oversized.If a modern head fits and sounds good,then fine,but if its too snug there is a workaround.

The easy way is to buy Aquarian AMERICAN vintage heads.These heads are oversized in diameter,and made to fit vintage drums.They are different from Aquarian vintage heads,which are made to only sound like vintage heads,and are made to fit modern drums.

The second thing you can do,which I have done with great success,especially with Gretsch drums,is notch the hoop,at 12,3,6,and 9 o'clock.You take a fine tooth hacksaw blade and cut through the hoop,without cutting into the drum head.This does work if you're careful.

The reason I say especially Gretsch,is 60's Gretsch drums were made oversized purposely,so ownwers would have to buy powertone heads from Gretsch,which were made to fit their oversized drums.It didn't last long ,but some of those round badge drums are still out there."

The photo is an early 60s Max Roach be bop with the wrap removed and the natural shell finished with clear poly. You can tell from the pic that the finish brought out the beautiful grain in the wood. Hope this info helps with your decision.

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Posted on 12 years ago
#2
Posts: 526 Threads: 60

If you do refinish, you might also consider a satin flame. It's an authentic Gretsch finish, it looks great, and it's much thinner than a lot of other wraps, so it may solve your shell diameter problem. Canal Plastics in NYC sells it by the roll for very little money.

Kits:
1950s Gretsch Name Band in Midnight Blue Pearl (13/16/22/14sn)
1965/66 Ludwig Club Dates rewrapped in Black Diamond Pearl (12/15/20)
Posted on 12 years ago
#3
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