Hmm, well it's definitely not natural maple because, I don't see any wood grain what's so ever... so, I think his kit is that rare Cameo Coral lacquer which is a pink'ish color...

I was thinking the same thing: Cameo Coral. If it were maple, I would think that those were the best looking outer ply on any early Gretsch that I had ever seen. Usually there were horizontal seems, or some big mismatch where the plies overlapped. Those early shells weren't ever the prettiest things, when bare. Gretsch had to up there game when they did eventually offer shells without the wrap. I do think that many players took the wrap off just so heads would fit better. I did. Why wouldn't a pro have it done?

Just watched it a second time and that must be it.

Especially around that time period pre-1966 Gretsch offered no wood finish drum sets but when they did it was in 1969 and was only the walnut finish. But no matter the color on this particular 20/12/14 kit it's down right beautiful and I would love to actually see this RB kit in person or even see one in color photos of this rare Cameo Coral lacquer.

Cameo Coral and Charcoal Metallic Duco lacquers on my first drum set--mid 50's Gretsch round badge. The Cameo Coral photographed in black and white looks very much like the color in the movie footage.

Certainly not an HD video, you can't see the tonal grooves on his ride cymbal either!

Same drums, same time period. Horizontal wood grain is evident in the second picture, especially when you enlarge it.

I've often wondered about the finish on Phil Collins' early kit with Genesis. This would be well past the time Gretsch was offering a maple finish I guess, but sometimes in some images it didn't seem quite right...could it be this Cameo Coral deal?

[edit] It's also a 16X20 bass drum. What's up with that? From that time period?

Mitch

Gretsch Cameo Coral finish... Does not show up after the 1958 catalog.

Subtle grain on this example...

http://www.repercussions.org/wowbop.html