When I bought the drums September 26th 2009 I took them to Ray Ayotte to have him check the edges. He tweaked them making sure to keep to the original intensions. I also repainted the Silver Sealer inside all the shells.
Parts missing when I received the drums were:
Some dial-mutes were missing or damaged. I did buy some era-correct ones but ultimately I bought a set of modern ones from Gretsch. They were the same except for the modern ones use Philips screws and they replaced the brass barrels with steel ones. The steel ones are much better as the brass barrels tend to strip out.
I had to replace some lugs and t-rods on the toms and snare - I did so with era-correct hardware.
All the bass drum t-rods and claws on the resonant side and the resonant side bass drum hoop. There was a Rogers throwoff (no extra holes were drilled) in place of the MicroSensitive one. There was one floor tom leg missing. I replaced all these parts with era-correct parts except for the throwoff - I replaced it with the Gretsch Reproduction MicroSensitive strainer. I did buy an era-correct strainer for $250 on eBay but it didn't work properly - I still have it and it can be repaired.
In early 2010 I had the drums appraised by Rob Cook. He commented on Ray's edges work and said in his opinion that his work did not adversely affect the vintage/collectible value. He also said my painting the interior might affect the value very little - in his opinion. He also said my drums are more sought after than the larger sizes. Steve Maxwell also told me that....at that time.
There is a small slash in the wrap near one of the lugs on the floor tom - Rob Cook also commented on that stating it was nothing to worry about value-wise.
The photo here shows the small split in the wrap - I just took this photo now. The split is the exact same size now as it was when I received the drums in Sept of 2009. At that time I was told to make some very small holes.....pin-size at the ends of the split. I can't remember if I did that - I may have. I also put some gold sparkle paint in the split to make it less noticeable. It worked.
The first and 3rd photos were taken now - the middle one was taken when I received the drums in Sept 2009.
I tucked calfhide head on all the drums and custom fit wood flesh-hoops. I ended up liking an EMAD batter for the bd and HAZY 300 resonant for the snare drum.
