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Gretsch drums ifo needed what year are these?

Posts: 90 Threads: 30

I have an older Gretsch kit with the finish .. i believe was called starlight sparkle ?.. they appear to be 6 ply shells, never had paper tags inside, the shells are silver inside .and all the lug screws are the slotted type, the bass drum rail mount is also mounted lower on the left hand side...i think they are from the late 50's...... the sizes are 20 13 16 14 snare...also the snare has the micro throw-4 point butt and ,drum key holder ....any ideas dating these old drums ?

Posted on 9 years ago
#1
Posts: 6288 Threads: 375

Your estimate might be right on the money.

Our Drum Guide has some information in the Gretsch section about interior paint/paper tags.......

"Gretsch Silver Interiors - Galvanized Fence Paint

Just like Ludwig, Gretsch had transition times when shells are used up or sealer was added. So there are exceptions to the below timeline. This is not an exact science and the dates can be challenged by these anomalies.

Pre Mid 50's, 3-ply shells, Clear interior

1957, 58 - ?, Jaspar Shells 6-ply, Silver Sealer

Gretsch Paper Tags

There has been a lot of discussion about this and some contradicting information. But the general consensus is that the paper tags started some time around 1962 or 1963."

To zero in closer on the manufacturing date, it might be left to differences in hardware and such, but I don't know enough about Gretsch to help you there.

There's several Gretsch Gurus around here that, I'm sure, will chime in with more assistance.

Beautiful drums, congratulations !!!

Kev

Kevin
Posted on 9 years ago
#2
Posts: 334 Threads: 39

Judging by all the physical characteristics I see with your beautiful starlight sparkle kit... I would say 1961... and that kit is more likely to be all 6ply shells. A very hard color to find but your sizes are not in high demand as the smaller toms are. But other then that what a very beautiful drum set.

~ A true Gretsch & Camco fanatic ~
Posted on 9 years ago
#3
Posts: 90 Threads: 30

Thanks for the info....I also have a Vintage Bebop round Badge kit, 18 12 14 , but I prefer playing the 20 13 16 sizes.... Guess ...I'm just weird.....any idea what $ value on the Starlight Sparkle kit ...... as I'm planning on selling them

Posted on 9 years ago
#4
Posts: 55 Threads: 12

From mgtcnut

Thanks for the info....I also have a Vintage Bebop round Badge kit, 18 12 14 , but I prefer playing the 20 13 16 sizes.... Guess ...I'm just weird.....any idea what $ value on the Starlight Sparkle kit ...... as I'm planning on selling them

If you are weird, so was Philly Joe! I think he liked 22 13 16 as a matter of fact. Gorgeous kit!

Posted on 9 years ago
#5
Posts: 90 Threads: 30

any ideas out there on value of this kit ??... hate to sell them ,but it's time to thin down the herd

Posted on 9 years ago
#6
Posts: 334 Threads: 39

Too many factors... but my guess would be right around $2,500.00usd max. They are beautiful but again the size hurts them. Good luck.

~ A true Gretsch & Camco fanatic ~
Posted on 9 years ago
#7
Posts: 90 Threads: 30

I'm confused......whats the problem with the sizes ???.... I always figured 20 13 16 with the matching snare was somewhat popular

Posted on 9 years ago
#8
Posts: 334 Threads: 39

Well for starters the 20/13/16 w snare configuration is not popular compared to the 20/12/14 w snare configuration.

The 20/12/14 Progressive Jazz kit has been for years a perfect alternative to owning the very expensive and very rare 18/12/14 bop kit.

Larger Gretsch toms are nice (with a 22" bass drum) thus larger tom with 20" will be harder to sell too compared to the smaller toms... the larger toms will get passed over in favor of the smaller toms.

Your wrap being harder to find helps it quite a bit... but because of the large toms it might sell for what a VG+ Progressive Jazz kit will sell for but not more.

Go Steve Maxwell drum site and look around where he talks about vintage Gretsch kit configuration and their popularity.

~ A true Gretsch & Camco fanatic ~
Posted on 9 years ago
#9
Posts: 334 Threads: 39

http://www.maxwelldrums.com/newsletter-gretsch-round-badge-prices-c-70_121.html

~ A true Gretsch & Camco fanatic ~
Posted on 9 years ago
#10
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