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I would like some feedback

Posts: 2713 Threads: 555

Please keep in mind - I'm not going to 'jump in' and do this without a lot of thought. But, it could be a sensitive topic here.....I'm ready for whatever comes from you good folks - good/bad/indifferent. I thought this would be the best place to throw this out there.

And - David - please do not 'boot' me off the Forum for even thinking about what I have in mind:).

MY 58 GRETSCH GOLD SPARKLE DRUMS 20/12/14 5.5X14 I had them appraised (just the shellpack) and they came in at $2200...a year or so ago (Rob Cook).

I was a little disappointed at the low appraisal but I see why that was. They are not completely untouched as far as "Vintage" drums go. I repainted the inside with silver sealer - thought I did good but it did reduce the vintage value slightly. Ray Ayotte tweaked the bearing edges (being careful to keep to the original intensions of the Gretsch edges - and he did a fine job) - but again = it did devalue them slightly. The finish is not perfect - a small scuff or two and a 1.5" split in the wrap near (not at) a floor tom reso lug - hardly noticible. There is some scuffing on the chrome rims here and there - mostly on the rack tom.

Some of the other reasons my shellpack did not make it into the 5-13K range are:

1) did not have the very much sought after 18" bd

2) I have the 5.5" snare drum (that was an option that year - I would have thought the option model would have been more rare) instead of the 4" snare drum

3) My drums are all 3ply except the 14" floor tom - it's 6ply (although the drums were bought together as a complete kit in 1960 - I'm second owner)

4) My FT has the Diamond Plate leg supports rather than the sought after Gladstone leg supports.

I know - this is a long Post - sorry, but I have to get some history out before I get to my question(s).

Since my drums are NOT the perfect vintage kit and I do have my "Dream" - although they are new - Sparkle drums = 2011 Gretsch Shellpack 18/12/14 4.5x14 in Champagne Sparkle I'm thinking of....only thinking about this:

Having my 58 shellpack refinished - Pro-quality (paintshop maybe or learn how to do it myself as in part of my retirement hobby) in Nitro Cellulose lacquer......as in just like or as close as possible to what Gretsch turns out in the Ridgeland factory. I haven't decided on the exact finish but maybe Millennium Maple, Rosewood, Antique Maple etc.

Also - I think maybe my 58 kit would sound (resonate) better without the wrap. In that respect I would not only be getting the natural finish that I love so much but maybe a 'better' sounding kit.......with 50+ year old Maple/Gum/Maple shells.

Again - I'm just feeling this out here and I will ultimately have to make up my own mind but it's nice to get feedback from other Vintage drummers.

I've thought about this for a while now.

I know that refinishing will kill any vintage value but on the plus side you can't take away the fact that they will be 50+ year old Gretsch drums and they will sound and look absolutely awesome. I would not change the hardware - I love and use the railmount (which I thought I'd totally would not at first). I may have the rims rechromed too.

Don't be too hard on me - this is difficult for me to post this here.

But - in the end .........they're only drums - right?

Posted on 13 years ago
#1
Posts: 1597 Threads: 96

I say you are over thinking this kit just play them and leave them as they are or sell them and buy what you exactly want or have them made or make them yourself.... The music will never know the difference...

Posted on 13 years ago
#2
Posts: 593 Threads: 43

I would leave them as is, you have made some modifications but they are still at heart the drums that left the factory in 1958. You strip and totally refinish they lose that effect

1973 Slingerland Phantom 13,16,22
Late 30s Slingerland Radio King- 7x14
SJC Custom Snare Pink Sparkle- 8x14
62 Slingerland COB Radio King- 5x14
Posted on 13 years ago
#3
Posts: 9005 Threads: 266

I'm with Mike on this one. Further devaluing the kit makes no sense, as does stripping the wrap off of an old vintage kit. Let em be. Play them, sell them, whatever, but leave them as original as possible.

"We are only passing through history, this (the Gretsch kit) -is- history!" - Quote: Indiana Jones

John

Too many great drums to list here!

http://www.walbergandauge.com/VintageVenue.htm
Posted on 13 years ago
#4
Posts: 1918 Threads: 60

Sell the kit and buy what you want. Don't damage it / change it / improve it any more. These drums aren't being made any more. Respect.

What Would You Do
Posted on 13 years ago
#5
Posts: 1273 Threads: 22

I have to agree with the previous posts. You've already comitted a misdemeanor, don't become a felon. There's a nice early 60's Gretsch sparkle kit for sale on CL in Phoenix for $1,100.00. Sell yours and buy this one. Commit no further adultry.

Just my sentimental opine.

B

Vintage Drum Fan (Not a Guru)
Posted on 13 years ago
#6
Posts: 1829 Threads: 86

If you're looking for resale, then just cut your losses and buy what you want. But- if you know in your heart that you'll keep this kit forever, mod to your heart's content; just make certain you know that much like a tattoo of the girl you had thought you'd be with forever, the things you want to do can NEVER be undone.

And hey- if you're going to mess them up, why not get real hardware like RIMS mounts, fill in the holes, and make it reliable and giggable? Old hardware SUCKS, and you may as well make them the way you want if you're going that way. Sell that stuff off to finance your mods!!!! No, I mean no disrespect, but if you're going to defile them, go big or go home I say!!!

***fine print: No, I ain't endorsing this; but if he's gonna do it, do it BIG***

Yeah- I'm THAT guy!!!

Dead dogs like rusty fire hydrants!!!
Posted on 13 years ago
#7
Posts: 2713 Threads: 555

Lots of ideas here - most the same theme. And, I dig it.

Bunnyman - thanks for you reply. I don't mind a lot of the old hardware. I really like my WFL Speedking and WFL hihat - Model 1121 is very nice - light and easy to work with compared to my Pearl H-2000. Not that the Pearl is not a great hihat - it is - but I'm liking the 1121 Ludwig too.

I actually went for some of the vintage hardware on my 2011 Gretsch USA kit = the bd spurs, the diamond leg plates on the ft and the fawcet-style T-Rods on the bd I really like. I have a period-correct Gretsch bd pedal - not too fond of it. I bought a Gretsch Model 4845 (60's) hi-hat stand recently that I'm using right now - it's not bad.

If I did do anything to these drums it would be to the finish only.....and I'd make sure it was a very hi-end job at that.

I can see it now - the year 2062

1958 Gretsch 3ply (6ply ft) 20/12/14 with matching 5.5x14 snare drum. Refinished decades ago (2011) by world renowned VDF drum builder/painter............ (someone hereYes Sir). Original edges and hardware......freakin awesome RARE find....= the only one.

I don't know but it sounds so good!

This stuff pops into my head while I'm at work..............I should stop work.Party

Posted on 13 years ago
#8
Posts: 1829 Threads: 86

Kona- my main bias against vintage hardware was when I was gigging in the '80s. The stuff fell over ALL of the time, and I ended up with broken cymbals and loosening toms all of the time. That rail consolette everyone holds dear? I had one that turned and the tom got smacked around pretty badly. The best stuff was the Rogers stuff, and it had it's moments, as well.

Again- I meant absolutely no disrespect; after all, I HOTROD vintage drums that had no hope before. I don't try to save and restore these things, and I am not afraid of ruining vintage value to make it playable. That being said, I wouldn't take an intact vintage piece in good condition and turn it into a black lacquer drum kit with flames.

Do what you wish, just remember that it's irreversible. I wouldn't let a low appraisal give you license to mod to your heart's content, especially if the wrap is in good shape. But that's me...

Yeah- I'm THAT guy!!!

Dead dogs like rusty fire hydrants!!!
Posted on 13 years ago
#9
Posts: 2713 Threads: 555

Bunnyman - cotton candy hu - haha

Thanks again for your input. I know what you're saying regarding the hardware. My 69 Gretsch kit moved around all over the stage and I ended up swapping out the snare and the pedal.

I don't gig with this kit.....or any kit right now.....they are in my music room and I play mostly with wands and brushes.....I love brushes.

I just got an email from Paul Cooper - the Gretsch factory - and he said personally he would not recover them - he's seen some nice drums damaged from taking the wrap off - old drums - but he recommended a chap at The Forks that could do a good job for me if I did decide to refinish them. Paul's been fantastic - he's helped me with lots of stuff with this kit and especially with the new Custom USA shellpack I bought recently. In the past you just could not get in touch with the 'main guys/gals' at a drum factory. Now....with internet and Drum Forums....you can sometimes email the actual folks in charge of the buildout. That is freakin amazing and tons of help when you want to ask a question about your drums.

For instance:

In Nanaimo here I'd have to go to my retailer - he'd try to call the Canadian Drum Rep. and they would get back to the retailer ....in a few days or more....and sometimes they did not have the answer to the question. Maybe too busy - who knows. I remember feeling guilty .....feeling like I was imposing on the Rep. = being a pest because of all the questions I had.

These drum Forums are pretty nice........we're getting spoilt lol.

Thanks guys,

Posted on 13 years ago
#10
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