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1950's Gretsch Drums - Need some help

Posts: 3 Threads: 1

New to the forum because I'm looking for some help regarding a set of 1950's Gretsch drums that I have. I will start off by saying, my drum knowledge isn't that great - I play fiddle&guitar - got this set from a friend who just wanted to get rid of them and gave them to me because he knew that I wanted to learn to play.

I knew that were special when he had told me how old they were and my goal was to fix them up and bring them back to life. But I've been saying that for 5 years now, and just don't have the money to do it, and they're now taking up space in my apartment. So I need to sell them. My question is if any of you knew what the value would be of these.

Like I said they're from the 50's - the guy told me '55 but he wasn't really sure cause they were his dads and were sitting in attic for almost 30 years. They have the round badge and are a gray turtle shell color.

All I have to the actual set is the bass and the tom. As overall condition goes, I'd say they're fair. Missing a lot of parts. The legs to the bass are rusted pretty bad but the rest of the metal parts look like if they got cleaned well, they'd be ok. The seam is kind of coming up on the bass, and there's a little scratch at the bottom. The only issues I can see with the tom is that the rim might need to be replaced.

The skin on the bass is fairly new - when I got the set, it didn't have a skin so I just bought a cheap one temporarily until I could get something better. Have no idea how old the skin on the tom is though. All I know is that besides the skins, everything else is original.

Posted some pics. I'm trying to sell them at the moment, which I have 3 people that are interested, so I just want to know what a fair price would be. Obviously I don't expect to get $1000 for these seeing the shape they're in, but I don't want to go in blindly and end up getting something way lower then what I should've got. So any help would be greatful! Thanks!

[IMG]http://fiddlerlizzie.bravehost.com/0727111543.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://fiddlerlizzie.bravehost.com/0727111543a.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://fiddlerlizzie.bravehost.com/0727111544a.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://fiddlerlizzie.bravehost.com/0727111545.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://fiddlerlizzie.bravehost.com/0727111559.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://fiddlerlizzie.bravehost.com/mms_picture.jpg[/IMG]

Posted on 13 years ago
#1
Posts: 3 Threads: 1

Sorry about the low quality pics - took them with my camera phone because my digital camera isn't working at the moment - I'll try to get better pics of them.

The tom doesn't have the bottom rim or the tension rods - didn't have them when I got them.

As for the snare - have no idea what kind it is. I had gotten that with the set as well, but I had just assumed it didn't come with that actual set because it didn't match.

Posted on 13 years ago
#2
Posts: 2433 Threads: 483

If that tom or kick is needed to finish a project or an add on you will do better financially to split them up since there is no floor tom.However you could search for a floor and they are out there but you,ll pay upwards of 500 depending on condition.That way you have a 3 pc kit to offer and you can demand bigger money.You will be dealing with Gretsch heads who are the most anal of all collectors imo.Most give new meaning to the word "snob"...good luckClapping Happy2........oh...im a Gretsch head!!:D

Hit like you mean it!!
Posted on 13 years ago
#3
Posts: 2713 Threads: 555

I would guess late 50's. Those spurs are looooong! I'm just learning this "Gretsch" stuff too (two years in re: the Vintage drums). I say late 50's because looks like silver sealer coating inside the drums (started around 58). The drums are 3ply I'm guessing. Stick chopper hoop on the rack tom = nice. Although the buyer would have to find a reso stickchopper. Also the fawcet-style T-Rods for the reso BD do show up on eBay....around $100+ for 8.

You may easier selling the drums individually as mentioned.

Finding a Gretsch floor tom to match your kit to try to sell it as a full kit may get expensive for you.

There are good deals out there but you have to be fast and lucky to get a Gretsch 3ply floor tom at a low price even in a 16" these days.

They are nice drums D' Drummerand I'd say you have $400-$500 in separate peice there just in the Rack & DB.....IMHO of course.

Good luck with it and keep us informed please.

Posted on 13 years ago
#4
Posts: 3 Threads: 1

Thanks for all the replies and the great info!

Had a friend come over today and look at them - which he's 95% sure he's going to end up buying them, but he wants to do a little bit more research so he knows he's giving me a fair price as well.

So we shall see.

Posted on 13 years ago
#5
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