Hey guys, thanks for the replies!

This seems to be a highly debateable topic.

I've attached pictures of the cleaned 13" badge and the still very aged 16" floor tom's badge. I'll more than likely be playing out with this portion of the kit and they have some other wear issues on the wrap that make them not-pristine.

I do however also have an 18" floor tom that is in great condition with no rust at all (still even has a broadkaster calfskin head on reso). I know this drum is much more rare than the other sizes and also in better overall condition (the badge is aged, but even it is not rusty and as dark as the 16".

I think my plan is now to clean the 16" badge also and have them match for playing out aesthetics, and just clean the hardware and polish the wrap on the 18" but leave the badge alone.

But, I'm still on the fence. I'm going to do everything else before I make a decision. But, input is still very welcome.

Pics:

[IMG]http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/TomBolton/photo2-2.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/TomBolton/photo3-3.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/TomBolton/photo-2.jpg[/IMG]

And here is the 18". I haven't done any cleaning to it yet.

[IMG]http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/TomBolton/photo4-2.jpg[/IMG]

Thanks!

-Tom

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqomZQMZQCQ[/ame] LoLoLoLo

The clean one sure is pretty. Man, tough call.

Seriously Tom...

If you owned Janis Joplin's Porschse..... would you keep it in tip top shape or let it go natural ?

Janis Joplin:..... "Being an intellectual creates a lot of questions and no answers. You can fill your life up with ideas and still go home lonely. All you really have that really matters are feelings. That's what music is to me."

Soap Box

Clean'em. No harm done...they will still be as valuable while also looking great!

I think if it's for you and you truly love your kit. and that's the look you need then go for it. Nothing! look's hotter than a cleaned restored vintage kit with badges that grab's your attention every time you walk in to that room.Now Resale i would leave it alone cuz when time comes to sell it might become an issue for some.

I just started a Gretsch RB restoration project myself and had been wondering about the very same thing. I had never seen a cleaned and polished round badge before (I know most people just like to leave it alone or just use car wax to clean it a bit but still leave most of the patina).

But, since my project won't end up being a collector's kit anyway, I think I'm going to go for it and make it nice and pretty like TomBolton's! Cool1

I don't agree with the whole cleaning the badge thing........

You are going to alter the factory patina..........

I can see using a toothbrush or toothpick and LIGHTLY getting dirt out of the crevices,but making it all shiny,when it never was that way to start with?

On the worlds most coveted vintage drums?

Easier to leave it alone then to try and put it back on!Soap Box

LoLoLoLo YOUR A NUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!LoLoLoLo

That polished badge sure is pretty! Id go for it!!! Even if the badge did have factory patina on them it wasnt like they have become now.