Hey all,
First of all.... great info here.
Through doing searches in the forums and looking around the site I think I have at least identified the year of my Gretsch kit but I could be wrong.
Quick info: I was kinda forced into buying this kit for $200 to help a friend who was short on money. It came with garbage cymbals and stands. I am a long term guitar player and didn't really want the set but since I have it I thought, might as well try to learn to play it. So far I have changed the snare skin and purchased a sabian cymbal pack. Not the greatest but they will do until I determine if I'm a drummer.. lol.
I sent an email to Gretsch and this is what they sent back... only posting the sections that apply:
With two major fires at the Gretsch factories in the past, most of the
historical records were destroyed including any documents referencing
serial number details for drum production. Since these records are no
longer available, we are unable to provide detailed production years of
individual drums based on serial numbers.
To help date you Gretsch Drums take a close look at your logo badges on
your kit. You can use the following information to give you an idea
when your Gretsch drums were manufactured:
BADGE #1 1883 to 1971
The original Gretsch Round Badge design.
This was the first badge used on Gretsch drums going all the way back
to 1883. The badge was round with GRETSCH written across the top and
DRUM MAKERS SINCE 1883 along the bottom. The older version of the Round
Badge used a carpenter’s tack to attach the badge to the shells while
later version used the standard brass grommet to affix the badge. Final
production of Gretsch drums with the Round badge was in 1971
"I have the round badges"
There are no serial numbers that I can find on them.
The Gretsch portion of the kit is
20 x 13-14 Kick: I didn't pull the skins off
12 x 8 Toms. I have two of these
16 x 16 Floor tom.
From this link http://www.vintagesnaredrums.com/gretsch_badges.html
It appears that I have a pre 60's kick
Kick Badge
and 60's to 70's toms.
Toms Badges
Per the finish on the drums and this link http://www.vintagesnaredrums.com/gretsch_finishes.html
It appears that I have a 1970 finish. Of course this page only has 1958 or later so maybe the maple wood grain was used earlier. With the badges and the finish I might have pre 1958 kick and 1970 toms. The toms appear to be 6 ply. I haven't taken the skins off the kick so I don't know what ply it is. Pretty confusing.
Also here is a photo of the tom mount on the kick
It also appears that at some time a prior owner had changed the rings/hoops... sorry I don't know what they are called. Each of the 12" toms have 5 bolts but there are holes that per the spacing look like the drums might have originally been 4 bolt. The 16" tom has the same problem 8 bolts currently but 1 extra unused hole set that looks like 7 was original.
I am interested in getting the 2 rings/hoops with the bolts that I am missing and I am missing some of the bolts for the kick (for holding the skin on). Since the drums appear to have been modified I guess my question is: Will any 5 bolt ring for a 12" drum work? Due I have to be concerned with threads on the bolts/holders for the kick? Also any details on my kit that you may know would be appreciated.
Thanks