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18" Gretsch question Last viewed: 7 hours ago

Posts: 449 Threads: 81

I recently refinished a late 70's era SSB Gretsch kit that had been refinished probably sometime in the 90's. I went through many rounds of sanding and gave it a couple of coats of Tung Oil. It came out looking pretty decent.

The sizes are 24x16,(metal hoops) 14x10 (stick saver hoops), and 18x16 (die cast hoops).

I picked up a rewrapped RB kit last month for a song - 22, 13, 16, 14" snare and really like it. The wrap job is wrinkled in some places and as far as I can tell has bare wood under it.

I actually have the big kit for sale and plan on keeping the RB kit. BUT, I am toying with the idea of taking the tung oiled 18" and converting it into a bass drum. It has the 4 leg mounts and is missing the mufflers (plugged holes). I have a 14x12 Gretsch USA rewrapped in Pewter Glass Glitter and figure I can easily find a 12" tom. I believe the 14" was one of the ebay specials and has either Gretsch lugs or a really close knockoff. The 14" has some generic style leg mounts. I would probably have someone wrap the 12" and 18" in the Pewter Glass Glitter or do them all in some other finish.

My questions:

In general is this a project a worthwhile project? What would be the value of a pieced together kit like this? Are any particular wraps considered more desired or valuable or does it even matter since it is a rewrap?

To make the 18x16 a "real" bass, would you have it cut down and re-edged or leave it as-is at 18x16?

What type of spurs would you put on it?

Any thoughts, concerns, questions, please shoot them at me. There are probably some things I have not thought to mention or ask.

Thanks.

Posted on 10 years ago
#1
Posts: 1362 Threads: 229

It is possible, it has been done, and as previous sales on the bay have shown a worthwhile investment. I have attached a picture of my factory 18" bass drum. Here is your goal for hardware and look when you finish:

[IMG]https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gAMorzsOG2o/VACMqfiUv1I/AAAAAAAADNA/jM2aZ8pwFuY/s800/20140828_184241.jpg[/IMG]

If you need me to take measurements an more photos I can or look at my restoration thread.

Sonor SQ2 10 14 18 American Walnut
L.A. Camco 12 14 18 Moss Green
Gretsch Round Badge 12 14 18 w/snare Champagne
Gretsch Round Badge 12 14 20 w/snare Burgundy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhdcpleTKlI

82nd ABN DIV OEF OIF Combat Infantry Veteran
Posted on 10 years ago
#2
Posts: 449 Threads: 81

Wow, that is one sharp looking drum you have there.

I am still mulling it over, but am leaning towards doing it.

Thanks!

Posted on 10 years ago
#3
Posts: 101 Threads: 15

I'd like to add my 2 cents.

I'd get a Keller 18"x14" shell drilled for 8 lugs. You're starting with an 18"x16" 10-lug floor tom - once you cut down 2", plug the 10 lugs, drill for 8, plug the FT leg mounts, drill for spurs, plug mufflers (if it has them), drill for Pratt (if you want it), add a tom mount, does it really make a difference if you started with a Gretsch shell?

If you just want to lay yours down and put wood hoops on it and use a riser/legs system that alters nothing, I say go for it. Nothing you can't put right later.

If you want that vintage-look 18"x14", you have a drum you have to explain either way, the Keller route doesn't take a big floor tom out of circulation and make them more valuable and harder to find for guys who want them.

Starting from a blank canvas is always easier than trying to chip a used one down to nothing just to start over.

Posted on 10 years ago
#4
Posts: 33 Threads: 7

I agree with Crunch. Get some wood hoops and some Dunnett R-clamps and legs and you're good to go.

Posted on 10 years ago
#5
Posts: 565 Threads: 31

Cut it down to 18x14. Forget any value associated with it. As I've found, it doesn't matter how you got there, you have a 12,14,18 Gretsch set that is easily transported quickly for any jam, gets attention, and is a joy to play. You have one life. If that's what you want, then go ahead and do it. I needed a 14x14 Gretsch, and with some work on a cocktail drum, I have my Gretsch 14x14, and I enjoy it just as much as an original piece... sounds the same too.

Posted on 10 years ago
#6
Posts: 1362 Threads: 229

Just do it!! I lucked out on mine. It will be cool and sell easy if you need :-)

Sonor SQ2 10 14 18 American Walnut
L.A. Camco 12 14 18 Moss Green
Gretsch Round Badge 12 14 18 w/snare Champagne
Gretsch Round Badge 12 14 20 w/snare Burgundy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhdcpleTKlI

82nd ABN DIV OEF OIF Combat Infantry Veteran
Posted on 10 years ago
#7
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