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Inherited old drums... no idea what I'm doing

Posts: 10 Threads: 3

Well, not quite no idea, but this isn't an instrument I know much about (play guitar and keys though).

Anyhow, I inherited the following drum set over the weekend. I'm not going to list the cymbals.

Gretsch late '50s round badge copper-mist finish drums.

- 22 x 14 bass

- 13 x 8 tom

- 16 x 15 floor tom

- 14 x 5 snare

The shells are 3-ply, with no paint on the inside. Aside from a handful of nicks / scratches the finish is in good shape with a good amount of checking. The hardware is all present (except for the snare detailed below). The chrome is mostly rust free, but there is a fair amount of minor pitting and tarnish.

None of the heads are original, and most need replaced.

The snare isn't playable. It needs new heads, new snare wires, and 14 of the tension rods are missing.

So...

I would like a guesstimate as to the value so I can determine if I need additional insurance for it. I had heard that it may be valuable, but I know little about drums.

I also would like to get it back into playable condition (no intention of selling it). The threads on the two tension rods I do have for the snare seem to be of a standard size and thread count so I believe I can get cheap replacements. The drums don't look out-of-round, but I haven't tried any of the tests I had read about.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Posted on 15 years ago
#1
Posts: 1971 Threads: 249

Here's a link to a discussion about round badge Gretsch drums from Steve Maxwell..

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

Might give you some ideas of the potential.

Even if they are not the very very highly sought after jazz sizes mentioned, still you really have inherited a great treasure there for sure.. CONGRATS!!

http://www.scottymoore.net/gretschdrums.html

Not a Guru... just interested..
Posted on 15 years ago
#2
Posts: 2349 Threads: 79

Congrat's! I'm impressed you want to restore the kit! Good for you!. You've certainly come to the right spot for info. I've been playing since '64, but I'm always impressed by the amount and accuracy of information I've gleaned just by lurking on this site. Have fun with 'em, those are truly a great instrument.

fishwaltz
Posted on 15 years ago
#3
Posts: 3267 Threads: 715

I would like to see a photo of the drums!

Prior to giving a value and helping with any restoration you

should let us see the drums.

Then we can help with value.

Thanks

David

Posted on 15 years ago
#4
Posts: 526 Threads: 60

Sounds like a great kit! I echo what everyone else said: it'll be easier to get a sense of their value if you can post pics.

You mentioned that the kit dates to the late 50s. I'm told that Gretsch moved to 6-ply shells with silver interiors around '57 or '58, so it sounds to me like your kit may be older. Assuming the bearing edges are good and the shells are in round, it will sound fantastic.

You mentioned that you need new heads. I've gotten great, warm tones out of my 50s round badge kit with Evans G1 heads on the 13", G2s on the 16", and a Remo Pinstripe on the bass. (Evans G1s are roughly equivalent to Remo Ambassadors; G2s are similar to Emperors. Ambassadors and Emperors should work equally well on the tom and floor tom.) I've also heard good things about the Aquarian American Vintage series, which are made to emulate calfskin. Or, if you're really up for an adventure, you can try using actual calfskins--but that can be a real commitment.

Enjoy the kit, and let us know how the restoration goes!

Kits:
1950s Gretsch Name Band in Midnight Blue Pearl (13/16/22/14sn)
1965/66 Ludwig Club Dates rewrapped in Black Diamond Pearl (12/15/20)
Posted on 15 years ago
#5
Posts: 526 Threads: 60

By the way -- take a close look at those cymbals. Gretsch had the rights to import Zildjians from Turkey back in the 50s, so if you have the cymbals that originally came with the kit, you may be in possession of some truly fine instruments. A K. Zildjian ride cymbal made in Istanbul would be highly sought after and could fetch upwards of $1000 on its own. Can you post pics of the cymbals (and particularly the labels or stamps on them)?

Kits:
1950s Gretsch Name Band in Midnight Blue Pearl (13/16/22/14sn)
1965/66 Ludwig Club Dates rewrapped in Black Diamond Pearl (12/15/20)
Posted on 15 years ago
#6
Posts: 10 Threads: 3

Thanks for all the info so far!

Here are some pics.

For the cymbals, all are Zildjian:

- the hi hats are 14"

- the crash is 16" (actually this has Zilco stamped on it with a sword above the name)

- the ride/sizzle is 18" and is missing 1 rivet

- they are Made In USA, not imported

Posted on 15 years ago
#7
Posts: 662 Threads: 33

You're a lucky, lucky man.....

Posted on 15 years ago
#8
Posts: 776 Threads: 114

From Antipodes

You're a lucky, lucky man.....

No doubt, those are beautiful drums. I'm sure someone can give you a better idea of the value, but they look to be in great cosmetic shape anyway!

Posted on 15 years ago
#9
Posts: 2212 Threads: 95

I think that is a very desirable finish, at least to me!!!

Posted on 15 years ago
#10
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