A note on Gretsch and Vintage parts:
I like the fact that you can order a "vintage" buildout on the Custom USA drums. I did just that = vintage spurs on the 18" bd (any larger bd I would probably opted for the standard spurs because they do function better), the vintage t-rods & claws on the bd and the diamond leg plates on the floor tom. I did not go with the vintage rail mount only because I wanted a naked bd....but it would look cool on the drum. You can get one of those snap-in key holders on the snare drum too. Also - they've rebuilt the Microsensitive strainer and single point Butt End (the change there is the drum key screws to replace the tiny slot screws). They retro-fit to the same mounting holes as the old strainer. I bought one and so far I'm liking it very much.
Ya - it would be nice to see them build a Gretsch Gladstone snare with the three-way tensioning and everything else that made that drum so special. I don't think it would take away from the few GG snare drums out there now for the simple fact those drums have the vintage history and the new ones would not.
