Looks really good !!! I used the tape method on my last restore project and the wrap is tight and hopefully will stay that way. As long as you get it taught then have a lug over or at the overlap you should be fine.

I have only done snares using the tape method. My first experience was not particularly good. It was a 1964 Ludwig 8x15 and I put black glass on it. The main issue was that wrap was just too thick to conform to the contours of the Ludwig "humps". The shell, while in round, was certainly not a circle. I have had my best luck with tape by installing the lugs as I drilled as opposed to after drilling ALL of the holes thus pretty much eleminating any creep.

Your kit looks great. The brighter blue is pretty special.

Those look fantastic. Nice job and a beautiful set of fresh Gretsch's! Your son's going to love them.

A question for those who have used the tape method...what's been the experience with later removing it from a wood finish? Easy clean up or tough?

I haven't had to remove wrap that's been attached with tape, but the type that is stuck to the shell is medium bond and is only 2" wide running the height of the wrap. The high bond type is only stuck to the wrap and not the shell. It shouldn't be too difficult. It should be a lot easier to remove than wrap that's been glued to the shell. We'll see what others say.

- Tim