What you're saying makes sense. I guess we've been spoiled by the great finishing technology we have today with mirror, high gloss finishes and kewl colors!

So, was Gretsch known for crappy natural finishing work back then?

~Kelly

...in a word...yes. They weren't the PERFECT and smooth finishes that are found today. Personally, I love the hand applied look of those classic finishes of yesteryear. There is a wonderful unevenness to them that just brings out the "vintage" in 'em. Oh man. I'm drooling.

You're right. means a heck of a lot less work for me and will maintain an original vintage finish in the bargain!

~K

If this finish is in anyway original please don't alter them. Some poor collector is probably looking for these babies the way they are. I searched for years until I finally came upon two gorgeous tangerine sparkle round badge kits. While the market is now loaded with lots of companies offering tangerine sparkle they were a real rare treat for while. Even with other new tang kits on the market the original vintage tangerine has its own aged charm and they still sparkle like citrus gems!

I use every vintage drum I own without hesitation and I'm very into how drums look as well as how they sound. If you're not digging the vibe of these you're better off selling them to someone who really wants this finish and buying a new (or vintage kit) with the mojo you're looking for. Don't alter what is essentially a historic musical artifact and something worth preserving.

Micky,

I would not dream of it. I just started cleaning the lugs this morning of the Round Badge 14" floor tom that I aquired to go with the kit and your post pops up! I have had these in storage now for over a year and am just getting around to cleaning the hardware and yes, I will not alter the old finish.

You're absolutely right about preservation of musical artifacts if at all possible.

Could we see some pics of your nice tangerine sparkle kit you mention?

Cheers!-kellyj

Just out of curiosity, what are the serial numbers of these toms? Gretsch didn't start doing walnut stain until the very end of the RB era. The earliest serial I've seen with walnut stain, out of a record of over 3000 drums, was 103xxx, about 1969. Your drums don't really look like the original walnut stained drums, which by now are a lighter brown color and usually have quite a bit of crazing/cracking. Could just be the lighting though!

-Bill

'Naturally' you want walunt, But here is what real wood under a roundbadge could end up looking like !

Welcome

Well, the debate rages on!

The kit we're looking at here...started out as walnut. Is this your work rusty?

-kellyj