So... months after buying a 1970s stop sign Gretsch kit I am finally about to start the re-wrapping process. I've ordered some Delmar ginger glass glitter wrap which will arrive on Tuesday.
I have never wrapped a kit before so a little nervous about it. I have watched countless videos about it and it doesn't look too challenging, I'm very careful about things so will measure and re-measure a million times. I just wondered if anyone had any advice or tips for doing it.
Cheers
Well, if you have watched several videos on it then you should be ready.
You will have to choose either the tape method or the contact adhesive method. For a first timer I recommend the tape method. This will be much easier and more room for rookie mistakes. Im not saying it is the best way, just saying its much more beginner friendly. You did not mention what the drums will be used for. If you are a pro drummer doing several gigs a month then the contact adhesive method would be better for durability, but if your just practicing in your basement then go with the tape method. Either way best of luck and please share some pics along the way.
Make tests for how to drill holes for the hardware. Glass glitter wrap cracks easily. Personally I have never worked with it, but I've been warned about it when I was planning tot do so. So I'm passing on the warning. Good luck!
The kit will be used for a number of gigs a month so I am thinking of going with the adhesive. I'd like to think if I was careful then I'll be fine.
When you say make tests for how to drill holes do you mean use an off cut and drill it a few times to get the right technique?
For a first-time effort, the glass glitter has the potential to induce the need for additional care. My experience is that is is more difficult to taper the edge of that wrap to the shell of the drum near the bearing edge. If you are not applying it so as to be able to blend wrap to shell in the way it looks on factory applied wrap, then using the glass embedded wrap won't be as difficult. I tried it once, but also made the mistake of attempting to use two differing glass wraps to create a two-color application of red and black sparkle. Even though I had successfully wrap a half-dozen sets from single prior to that time, that one got the best of me. The next time I wanted to apply glass glitter, I turned it over to a shop.
I have to say I was confident of being able to do it but since the wrap is about to arrive I'm not as confident. Is working with glass glitter that difficult? I'm worried about the brittleness of the wrap but have no experience so not sure if I'm getting ahead of myself.
As for the wrap to bearing edge blending I've read that because of the thickness it can be a problem. My initial plan was to leave a gap on the shell between the wrap and the edge. I know this isn't how it would have come from the factory but once the heads are on and the rims it should look good (I hope).
I have to say I was confident of being able to do it but since the wrap is about to arrive I'm not as confident. Is working with glass glitter that difficult? I'm worried about the brittleness of the wrap but have no experience so not sure if I'm getting ahead of myself.As for the wrap to bearing edge blending I've read that because of the thickness it can be a problem. My initial plan was to leave a gap on the shell between the wrap and the edge. I know this isn't how it would have come from the factory but once the heads are on and the rims it should look good (I hope).
As others have said, the glass glitter is much thicker that sparkle wrap and a bear (to me, anyhow) to trim.
I'd make my measurements to allow for a small gap at the bearing edge.
Just my 2 cents worth....
Kev
As others have said, the glass glitter is much thicker that sparkle wrap and a bear (to me, anyhow) to trim.I'd make my measurements to allow for a small gap at the bearing edge.Just my 2 cents worth....Kev
In what way was it difficult to trim? Was it just the thickness?
I bought a new USA Custom shellpack from Gretsch a few years ago. It's Champagne Sparkle. I know, not Glitter, but.......the builders at the factory....did not wrap right to the bearing edges. They left enough bare shell exposed so to allow for a very easy fitting head - the drums tune easily. My 2c would be to do the same - leave some bare shell. If you are interested in leaving the space I will accurately measure the distances (the bare exposed shell) for you so you can get an idea of what to do there.
I will say this....be carefull NOT to take too much off as it will show below the Counter hoops and that is not good. I bought a Gretsch 8x12 StopSign badged tom in Silver Glitter a few years ago on the Bay. It was not recovered - it still had to original wrap - but someone was having trouble fitting heads and cut the wrap back from the bearing edges. They didn't measure properly and the only way I can put heads on this drum so the bare shell is not showing under the counter-hoops is to tuck calfhide heads on it and make the collars deep....so I can suck the heads down low enough to hid the bare shell. What a shame.
Ok, I'll ask a few questions. Did you order the wrap pre-cut? If it is pre-cut, where did you order from? Depending on where you ordered from and whether or not you specified how you wanted it cut, each supplier will cut it how they think is better for you to apply it.
I'll shoot you some pointers depending on how you are getting the wrap.
Thanks, Ryan
