Hello -
I've never posted on here but wanted to get some advice. I am wanting to restore my old '79 Gretsch kit (white nitron? finish that has aged into nicotine yellow). The wrap is quite scratched and scuffed, and the bottom bearing edges have some dents. The chrome hoops are fairly pitted and scratched. I've read some of the other posts and went to the http://www.vintagesnaredrums.com/how_to_vintage_snare.html page. My questons:
1) What do people think about rewraps on Gretsch kits. Is it worth it? A bad idea? My "white" wrap is now so yellow and so scratched, I don't know how much cleaning will help (although, I may try the wet sanding that was suggested). Sounds like I should use the Novus cleaner and polish initially, or will cleaning matter if I wet sand it?
2) New bearing edges: It looks as though it's just the bottom edges that have the dents. I'd like to find someone to resore the original edge. I've found some websites that advertise for this, but I'd rather not have to pack the drums, pay for shipping, etc. There's a drum shop here in town that sends theirs out to a local guy who does vintage restorations. Do people think that will be ok, or should I go with a "name" (e.g. "pork pie re-did my bearing edges"). Also, will it be ok to just do one edge, or should I just do both?
3) For the chrome hoops: try something like Flitz, or maybe aluminum foil (someone suggested), but not 0000 steel wool?
Any and all advice will be much appreciated! Thanks -
PS - here is a link to a drum on ebay that is exactly like mine (but the wrap on mine is more scuffed and scratched):