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Gretsch Defenders... help!

Posts: 3 Threads: 2

Hi Guys,

I've got the chance to get some Gretsch Defenders here in the UK. I think these drums are from 1940's and possibly European?

I just wondered what you guys thought about these? Will they require a lot of restoration? Do you have any idea on how they will sound?

Also, are there any potential problems you can think of with owning these drums? I can see the bottom heads are tacked which may be problematic.

Any help would be much appreciated! I've attached some pics for you to look at.

[Attachment: 16344]

[Attachment: 16345]

Cheers guys,

Rob

Posted on 14 years ago
#1
Posts: 4009 Threads: 209

Gretsch Defenders are American made drums. They were made during WWII and have wooden hardware (lugs, hoops, etc) due to the rationing of metal in the USA during the war. They are very rare and are pretty much a collectors piece. Can they be played? Sure. But they are limited in application....they are best for big band/swing/jazz music, not so much for rock music. Also, the hardware is a bit on the fragile side.....it is wood after all. The toms are pretty limited in there tuning range due to the fixed non-tunable bottom heads.

Hope this helps you somewhat....Yes Sir

Posted on 14 years ago
#2
Posts: 3 Threads: 2

Brilliant thanks for the message. The plan was to use them for a jazz folk band i'm in, so they could fit rather nicely. I can't find any footage of these being played online though, so I have no clue about their sound. I imagine them to be quite deep, warm and woody.

I may repost this in the American category as they are american drums :)

Posted on 14 years ago
#3
Posts: 282 Threads: 80

Hello,

Great kit! I love the WWII kits.

1964 Gold Sparkle Round badge 20,12,14
1970 SS Badge, Blue Satin Flame 22,13,16
1962 Tangerine sparkle, Gretsch. 18, 12,14, 5x14
1960's/70's Slingerland 18,12,14 silver sparkle
194? Slingerland "Rolling Bomber" Blue/white Duco 28,13,14,7x14
1940's Radio Kings. 26,13,16 WMP finish
Gretsch Anniversary sparkle 22,13,16, 5.5x14
Posted on 13 years ago
#4
Posts: 2255 Threads: 263

I have a complete set of those for $800 on website, just in case...(different color though)

http://www.vintagedrumbug.com/
Cause you got the bug dont'cha?
https://www.facebook.com/VintageDrumBug
https://twitter.com/VintageDrumBug
Posted on 13 years ago
#5
Posts: 802 Threads: 149

MrRob:

I'd pass on them if I were you. I myself would go nuts not being able to tune the bottom heads to get the sound I needed for different clubs, rooms, recording studios, etc.

If youre not real fussy, then maybe go for 'em but I find most of my drummer buddies fussy.

:)

Retro

Posted on 13 years ago
#6
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