My late 50's Radio Kings are Black Diamond Pearl. I'm restoring another snare that I'd like to match. I bought a sheet of BDP from one of the usual suppliers to use for the snare and to redo the inlays on the BD hoops.
The color is pretty good but the problem is that the pattern of the BDP is too "small" on the newer sheet. It looks fine on the inlays because they are so narrow, but on the snare the difference is noticeable to a moderately trained eye. I figured that this was just the way it is since every sample I have received has the same smallish pattern.
Then today I was in Guitar Center and they had a set of recent Gretsch Catalina Clubs (?) in BDP that really looked right; the pattern and color were much closer to my vintage drums.
I was under the impression that pretty much all wrap in this country is made by the same guys. Are the Gretschs made overseas in a place where better looking wrap is available?
Does anyone know where I can get more accurate looking BDP wrap?
Thanks!