Sorry to hear.........when did the 6 ply shells come into play? When I was looking at the pics I thought the shell looked a little thick for 3 ply. But not knowing the first thing about Gretsch drums I didn't question it. I thought maybe they had thicker plys or something. DOH Coffee Break2

Hello, Kona!

A couple of years ago, I came across a Star round badge cocktail drum ( 16 X24) complete with the foot pedal bracket and all of the original hardware. The wrap was in complete ruin though. I had it recovered to match my existing kit and now use it as a second floor tom. The thing booms out! Whenever we play, fellow drummers always comment upon it favourably. My set is on VDF under Star Drumset in Turquoise Sparkle in the Drum Image Gallery. Best of luck with whatever you decide to do. Those old cocktails are really unique.

Brian

The folks at Gretsch say the 6ply showed up (at the factory) in the mid-50's. But all the records I've been able to nail down shows they were introduced in the late 50's - probably in 58 or so when they introduced silver sealer. There were 3plys they had to use up so some kits went out with mixed plys. The layers of veneer are much thinner in the 6ply shells so the shells are basically the same thickness as the 3ply of the 50's - pretty close to it anyway. I haven't personally looked at other Gretsch mixed ply kits (3 and 6ply) but that is the case with my 50's kit.

Those dang 6ply edges !!!!!

There is NO doubt that this is a 6ply shell haha.

The quest for 3ply continues..........until the grave if necessary...

I'm not too obsessed...ya think??

Wow excellent picture of the 6 ply. Very interesting to know the differences between the 3 and 6 ply drums too. Thanks for the explanation. Good luck with the 3 ply quest too. If I ever see anything I'll let you know.

Thanks

Yes, please - if you see a 3ply 14" Gretsch floor tom please let me know right away. If you don't buy it I certainly will. I've been looking for one for a few years now and was so hopeful with this cocktail drum.

At least now I will have another project for my retirement.........I will try to bring this beauty back to life.

I have most of the parts I think....except for maybe some replacement pieces on the snares and all of the accessory parts of course. Part of the fun is the 'hunt for parts.'