> put together a Jelly Bean Red/White/Blue kit with the 22 bass/16 floor tom/12 mounted tom.

Now you're speakin' Deacon! Sounds like a good (read: FUN) plan!

I have a late 50's 3-ply RB kit, you won't regret a dime that you put into them, Tim. I promise you, great sounding drums!

John

Some pictures ...

I have a 1/4" plug bit and some shell samples to make plugs. After I plug the holes, what's the best way to patch the wrap? Should I carefully remove some small pieces of wrap from under a couple of the lugs? Are there other areas on the drum that can be used for donor wrap pieces? I have some extra red sparkle wrap from an old 70's Ludwig drum, but it's not a perfect match.

What's been successful for you?

Thanks,

Tim

I finished plugging the 5 holes and I'm very happy with the results. Since this is a player's drum, I'm not too concerned with the filler being a little visible. The main thing is the plugs were tight.

Did Gretsch put a clear on the inside of their natural shells? I had some Pecan Minwax PolyShades, which actually blended the repair area very well with the rest of the shell interior. I wasn't looking to conceal the area, just make it look presentable.

Now I need to decide how to patch the wrap.

-Tim

I can send you a piece of red sparkle wrap if you want it. Just let me know through PM.

Cheers

Curtis

I was able to finish up repairing the hole this weekend. Here is a picture of the repair. It passes the 3 foot rule. :)

Time to mask off and paint the hoops and clean the lugs, claws and T-rods.

-Tim

Unless you're itching for an expensive project, I say just use it with some other drums, Gretsch or otherwise, and don't worry too much about putting a kit together. With such repairs, it's not always economically sensible to bust yer butt for a kit. You'll have more in it than it's worth $ wise.

That said, nice drum and great work fixing her up an bringing her back.

Aaron

Thanks. It was a pretty easy fix.

I actually only have $132 in this bass right now (minus heads, Remo Fiberskyn) and that's including the purchase of the drum.

If I were to get another drum, I think a 16" red sparkle floor tom would be good choice. Having a snare, floor tom and bass with a center mounted crash/ride would be a great portable kit.

I could always use the natural Mahogany 14x6 Gretsch RB snare, 12x8 Gretsch SSB Blue Glass Glitter Tom tom, 16x16 Rogers Silver Glitter Floor Tom and the 22x14 Gretsch RB Red Sparkle Bass. :) It would be a nice patriotic jellybean kit.

-Tim

I finished up the bass drum this weekend and put together a "jelly bean-ish" type kit of red, wood and blue! ;)

The 6x14 snare, 14x14 floor tom and 14x22 bass can be used as a nice small jazz kit with big sound.

-Tim