Most 3 ply Gretsch drums don't have rings. I've never heard of a problem with them going out of round. Most "Gretsch" guys consider them the best drums.

There are examples of Gretsch drums with rings, but they're not common.

This kit is stamped 1950, clear interior. Are the clear interiors more valuable then the silver? Thanks

been collecting Gretsch for years, When I got my 50's 3 ply sets, I sold all my 6 ply sets. There is no comparison about which sounds better..Clear interior and silver interior 3 plys are worth the same (all other things being equal) What color wrap is yours? Can you post pixs?? oh yeah 6 plys came out around 56-57, depending on who you talk to.. main reason for switch was to save money, the 3 plys were made at the Gretsch factory in Brooklyn the 6 plys came from Jasper wood Products...Group Hug

Can't post pics, have not bought them yet, still trying to decide. It is a three piece with matching snare. Talked to the guy today, forgot to ask him about the sizes, duh. Kit is in overall good shape, missing a couple of mufflers and one floor tom hoop. Color is Midnight blue pearl? Looks like slingerland sky blue pearl. The snare is deep, maybe 6 or 6.5, not sure about the sizes back then. He wants $1900. What do you think?

its hard to say without a pix. If there are no extra holes and all remaining parts/wrap/hoops are orig.? So its a bass, two toms and a snare? The 3 ply 61/2" is one of the only decent sounding snares Gretsch made. Make sure it's all orig. The one missing hoop on the floor tom will be hard to find (C.O.B. dbl. flanged "stick chopper") Willoughcraft has new repros but they cost. The mufflers can be found on ebay or bought new from Gretsch(part no. 5540 and 5540-5). But if I'm not mistaken the early 50's mufflers had one pad and later ones had two. Either one will fit. BMP was one of the most (along with WMP) popular Gretsch 50's colors, so if you want to buy additonal toms/snares later on, its not as hard to find. You say you don't know the sizes, most Gretsch sets from the early 50's are 14x22 or 24,9x13,16x16, with whatever size snare..if its any small jazz sizes thats a plus. I say go for it..Yes Sir

I think its a 20" bass drum, all wrap is good and original, no extra holes. Thanks for all the info.