This YEARS winner! Truely a great kit! Congratulations.

Dave

Yeah,

I was admiring the pictures and thinking about what a beautiful kit it was--and what life it led--; marvelous kit.

Well done,

Patrick

Mind Blowi

Now comes the fun part ... cleaning. Be very careful on what you use to clean and how you use it.

I'll let the experts chime in on the best products, but don't ever use any type of steel wool on any part of these drums.

The hoops look nickle and the wrap looks like it's in very good condition without any cracks. It shouldn't take to much to get them looking great.

Please regularly post updates on your project. I would love to see the progress on this kit as it transforms.

Once you're done cleaning, don't forget enjoy and play them.

Thanks for sharing your find.

Tim

Is the snare drum 2-way or 3-way tuning?

Mike Curotto

Those tubs look to have the original calf heads on them. The lightbulb was in the bass to keep heads dry and in stable tuning under humid conditions. I say the bulb is original and speaks for the age of the kit.

Prostix - answer Uncle Mike's question. It'll help you get more info about your kit. You asked for an "expert"... you lucked out. It just doesn't get much better than when you manage to get Mike Curotto's attention.

Damn, you're a lucky guy. Excellent find. I'd book the next flight to Vegas, while the Mojo still courses through your veins...

John

How do you tell?

I showed my 14 year old son this thread and the pictures. He was in total awe. Before he even saw pictures, he asked if it had tube lugs. For some reason he has a thing for tube lugs. The Gladstone system is really innovative for it's time. I wonder why it never caught on? Is it picky/finicky for practical use?

What is the condition of the wrap? Are there any cracks? How are the seams? Is it really faded?

I would ask the experts to please provide some input on the proper cleaning. This will help Prostix get started on the right foot and eliminate trial and error and any potential mistakes. I'm going to stay away offering any advice, just to make sure you get the correct information for this situation.

What where you planning to do with these drums before you started to receive information? Studio kit, play out, future investment, sell/flip? I guess this is an important question that you need to answer? Because if you were going to sell, some buyers may prefer the drums before they are cleaned. Just some thoughts before you start tearing into them.

Regardless, you've got yourself some a great looking and fairly valuable instrument.

I agree, this YEARS winner! Ding! Ding! Ding!

I'm waiting for you to tell us you bought them from someone with the last name of Clarke, Jones or Greer. :)

- Tim

Isn't that snare drum alone worth around $5000? That could be a $10000 set!

Looks like the snare has the tuning that you can tune both heads from one side!

Be careful on your restoration of these--normally I would say common sense should rule but for a rare set like these, with the older lugs, and Gladstone !@#%$ snare, I would certainly be double sure anything you do only helps, especially with the ultra-rare hardware on that snare drum. Better to do nothing than go off half-cocked and screw something up.

Hey Prostix - great score! Could we see some detailed pics of the cymbals, including the stamps if possible?

Thanks,

Bill

Post photos of the snare drum! Take shots all around the drum, and then flip the drum upside-down and take a shot of the snare side head.

That will be enough to get some answers. I'm anxious to hear what Mike may be able to add, info-wise, about your drum. One of the things I really love about this place is; I learn something new about vintage drums every day.

John