Here is something I've found useful.

http://www.gretschdrumdatingguide.com/

Rick Gier collects Gretsch information. I submitted my 71ish Stop Sign Badge (SSB) kit information to him through his Report Your Drums information sheet. After that, we traded multiple e-mails asking and answering each other's questions.

It seems that Gretsch used the RB serial number sequence into the SSB period and then did a serial number reset around 1971. My kit is matched with serial numbers 481 (FT), 499 (BD), 553 (TT). There are SSB drums serial numbers up to 136,000.

Hope this helps get you pointed in the right direction.

- Tim

The model numbers on the labels correspond to the model numbers in the catalogs of the era. Each specific model number had consistent characteristics such as number of lugs, type of throw-off, inclusion of a muffler, etc... The same model numbers were used for many years, with some still in use today (although they are now often preceded or appended with additional letters or numbers to designate colors or special features). Take a look at the 1966 catalog and you will have the basic structure of the model numbers. http://www.gretschdrums.com/ebooks/1966/index.html#

When throws were changed or the key holder was added, the model numbers remained unchanged, so one cannot say, for example, every drum with model number 4157 had the same throw - they did not. The earlier ones had microsensitives, the later ones had lightning.

There were some interesting situations when new drums were introduced. The earliest aluminum snares shared model number 4105 with the wrapped wood shell drums until they were given their own new model numbers 4106 and 4108. Some early 4108 were actually wrapped wood shells, but this was sorted out fairly quickly so most 4105s and wrapped wood and most 4108s are aluminum. Some of these variations do not appear in the catalogs.

As far as serial numbers, the rhyme and reason is not widely understood. In my opinion, there is definite rhyme and reason, but it is difficult to see without information from a large number of drums in front of you. Basic patterns began to emerge after about a thousand drums were analyzed. With another couple of thousand, the patterns were pretty well defined. Once I felt there was a solid enough basis for my explanation of Gretsch's use of serial numbers, I made public the paper that Tim mentions. There is still more work to be done to further refine the theories, so any additional contributions of information to the database would be appreciated.

Rick

TIM and RICK: Thank you both so much for your time and all the helpful information that you provided. Guys like you are what make this forum great! You've disproved the theory that "you can't teach old dogs new tricks." You've taught me many! Greatly appreciated, too!Bowing

Me also. Tom