$535 for a single front tom? As you said, "It's only money". In my mind, maybe a rare snare drum could get that much of my money. Or, If I had the free matching snare, floor tom, and bass drum that I found in my late Uncle Leo's attic, I might pop for that outrageous sum of money. But, of course, the drum is a round badge Gretsch. How silly of me to question ridiculous prices.

Now there's a post that hasn't a thing to do with the thread.

Just looking to stir up some crap...... sad really.

I don't know why the badge was not plated. That is one thing I am looking into asking.

I've got most of the paint off the hardware. The drum has been ridden hard and the gold plating has worn a lot it places. Maybe a former owner spray painted the drum to protect what was left of the plating - I don't know.

Leedybop

To answer your post. And even if it is not on subject I welcome it - thanks for the post....it stirred me to write this:

Yes - You may think I did pay a lot for this drum - but compared to what? I will have to admit I got caught up in wanting this drum at all cost. But, lets compare this drum with a new Gretsch tom. A new Gretsch 9x13 is $1130 list price ($730 at 30% off which is what I can get it at at my local retailer)....but you can't get it with Gold Hardware - if you could at today's gold prices...it would be very expensive. Yes, this is a used drum, but that is worth something here vintage-wise (I'm sure we can all relate to Vintage Value). So if you look at it in 'fare-market-price' for a rare vintage drum I don't think I got a bad deal at all. After all it is a Gretsch drum in Cadillac Green (paint - maybe older than the wrapped version?) with gold hardware.

I agree with your thought process 100%. The wood can make all the difference.

Also, don't forget all of the knowledge that will be gained by having this drum. Of the remaining Cadi Green sets, no one is going to tear them apart to really understand them. This is a great opportunity.

I'm really interested to see what Steve Maxwell has to say. He was really helpful and responsive when I e-mailed him questions about the Burgundy Sparkle Round Badge that I cleaned up.

So now begins your search for a Cadi Green Bass Drum, Cadi Green Floor Tom and Cadi Green Snare. :D In the meantime you could get some rough RB shells and make them up to match the tom. Then if you happen to find a true Cadi piece, just swap it in.

You have a piece that many people would only dream of owning. My vote is "Good Buy".

Tim

No - I think what I'll do is cut this shell down and make a 7x13 snareDOH

THE BADGE

Just got an answer to my question regarding why the badge is not gold plated.

The badges were standardized back in the day - no matter what the finish. The badge on my drum is the one that came with the drum.

Gary, Chet Falzerano's Gretsch book, on page#84 are two great pics of a Cadillac Nitron Green gold plated ca.1950 Early Max Roach 4x14" snare drum and then an entire Cadillac Nitron Green Gold Plated 1954 kit with a 9x13",14x14".14x22" bass drum, NOTE> the badge on the snare drum is not plated just pointing that out to you, if you have the book?

Dang! What a bonehead I am. I have two copies (one hardcover autographed to me) of Chets Gretsch book. I should have looked in there right off.

Thanks,

Wow, Gary, I hate to be the one, but...I hate when something like this happens. I would suggest, if you haven't found it yet,try Orange Paint remover.

No John the Acetone worked perfectly - no gold removed and all the flat gold paint rubbed right off. All I did was soak a soft rag with Acetone (repeated of course becuase it evaporates into my lungs very fast) and put the parts a few at a time into this soft rag. Wiped the parts off and therein I have the original gold plated hardware - beautiful!