[QUOTE=Looking at the pictues of the bass drum, what is your opinion on the placement of the tom holder? I think it is over part of the badge?

In regards to 60's 18" bass drums I have not seen many on Ebay myself, but I have seen plenty 20/14/12 recently. What is your opinion on how many were actually sold in the 18/14/12 configuration? Was it usually a custom order configuration?

David[/QUOTE]

My guess is that the bass drum was a virgin and that the holder was added on by a previous owner .

It is interesting that the original idea to start selling 18" bass drums in the late 50's was a result of Gretsch wanting to reduce their stock of old , 18" floor tom shells ! The 18" bass drums weren't promoted in a catalog though until 1961 .

I think it is safe to say that most of the 18" bass drum kits in the early to late 60's were specially ordered by pro jazz drummers , so relatively speaking there aren't a whole lot out there , and most of those are owned by pro jazz drummers and musicians . A few have made it to Japan . I know , because I (regretfully ) sold one ( midnight blue pearl ) about 7 years ago ! I'd picked up the 6 ply 18/12 for $ 1400 ( matched factory set ) , and found a matching 50's 3 ply 6 months later which I paid $ 600 for . So I got the complete kit for $ 2000 ! I wasn't playing jazz then , and a jazz drummer in Tokyo offered me $ 3300 for the set and I sold it . That's one I'd like to have back !