I have The Book and I find it informative...a ton of useful information. I am thoroughly enjoying reading about the Gretsch family, the drummers, and the company history.

I imagine it would be tough, if not impossible, to get every detail perfect regarding Gretsch drums and the history. That is mentioned in the begining of the book in fact. I for one am very happy to see this book.

Leaving some possible errors and inconsistancies aside...that you get in most any document of this magnetude I'd imagine...the book is a very useful and a great read especially for Gretsch drummers/collectors like myself. I've only been involved in playing and collecting vintage drums for a few years and I am by no means anywhere near an expert.

A lot of work went into the book and it is a fine addition to other drum books such as Chet Falzerano & Harry Cangany's books and Rob Cook's other books and others I'm sure. It's all good - we're not perfect - and I say congratulations to Rob Cook and all the folks that contributed.

Well...Bass drums in general tend to sound similar. He could have worded that differently for Gretsch fans instead of alluding to some perceived Ludwig superiority in the 18" bass drum category.

I still want to get this book, no matter the small inconsistencies.

Right - and it looks like the editor(s) and/or authors of the book did not have a problem with writing it down. Any "small inconsistencies" should not bother most - the overall book is great. It's a long-time coming as I saw in print somewhere.

I'm looking forward to my HardCopy.

I agree Kona. Just imagine starting from scratch to put this book together. You have to cover the history of the company, family members, where it all began, then organize all of the different models, sizes and colors of 130 years of drum making! If anyone out there would like to publish their own GRETSCH book, go for it! It is a great source of reference for the collector and the player. There is a ton of information in this book and I think it is GREaT! Thank you Rob Cook and to all those that had a hand in the publishing of this book.

Bowing

Got the postal notice today. I pick up my copy tomorrow. Can't wait. (Can't say how many times I have returned to Chet's book--plenty)

"Charlie (Watts) just celebrated fifty years of performing with "the world's greatest rock band," and I'm proud to say that all of those performances have been on Gretsch." Fred W. Gretsch

Except all the one's he performed on Ludwig before he started playing Gretsch in the late 60's!

Funny Post

Yes - I saw that too and you have a valid point (in your second paragraph here).

I can't comment on why (or if indeed) Mr. Gretsch did say 'exactly' that. I would give him the benefit of doubt though and let it go...because....Mr. Watts has played Gretsch for many years. I for one also see Watts playing what appears to be a Tama and maybe a DW/Camco(?) snare along with his Gretsch drums. We all know he does not play Gretsch exclusively - I imagine he plays many kits. I would have to say in most of the live concert footage you will see him with his Vintage maple Gretsch kit. Fred Gretsch I'm sure is happy that Mr. Charlie Watts likes and plays Gretsch drums.....as I'm sure Mr. Watts is as well.

Oooh even if your kind of kidding, mate thats a bit harsh. Using POS and WTF, your supposed use of language is un-called for, and insulting someones mother is simply unacceptable and doesn't fit with this forum. They've worked hard on a project and I give them respect for that. I have not read the book, but I would of enjoyed your critique much more if you were being constructive.

I will look for this book because I'm partial to old Gretsch's, and get back to the thread with my thoughts when I've read it. But until then I urge you to be kinder with your demeanor and instead of shooting them down or anyone for that matter, why not use this thread together with us on the board to help them root out the mistakes they made. Then maybe they can sort it out on the next print run.

At the very least if your that convinced it's a POS WTF etc, then may I suggest you do it yourself.

ps Who is Lee Ruff? Great name for a drummer.

My mistake old boy, thought I was on DFO!

Hurting