I recently purchased a 4 pc (no snare) 1968 Gretsch set in Sunset Satin Flame. I paid a little too much for them because I let sentiment cloud my judgement....I'm okay with it so far. I bought a kit identical to this one new in 1969 but with a metal snare at that time - those drums are long gone (sold in 1976).
These drums have a wickedly bad tom hanger - heavy and just a bit of a bear to adjust. The bass drum satin finish has spider cracks from where the tom hanger plate is bolted down.
I'm sort of over my sentiment about having these drums so I was thinking......in order to make this a nice 'player's' kit I would install a Rail Mount. The sad thing here too is that Gretsch mounted the tom hanger plate on this bass drum crooked.....a horrible job. Makes this kit even more rare now huh Lame
The Sunset finish has what looks to be bleach spots splattered on it in a few places. I thought it was maybe some paint or something I could clean off but no matter what I use it stays there.
I know....it's a rare finish, but the finish is no where near good to excellent condition. But, it doesn't have any large cracks, pieces missing or it's not lifting/separating from the shells. However, I'm really tempted to refinish the drums along with plugging the diamond plate bass drum tom hanger holes.
The Sunset Satin Flame Rock n' Roll kit of 1967-1970 (not pictured in this finish in any catalogs.....only mentioned in print in the 67 catalog) came with two 8x12 toms.....not an 8x12 and 9x13 as most two tom outfits have. My 69 kit had this set up as does the 68 setup I now have.
They are beautiful sounding drums that include a 20" bass and a 16 floor tom.
I would be willing to sell the drums - as is - to anyone that would want to have them to preserve the Sunset Satin Flame finish.
PM or email me if there is interest.
