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fake Gretsch tom tom? Last viewed: 4 hours ago

Posts: 7 Threads: 2

Hello,

To anyone's knowledge, did Gretsch make any 6-ply maple tom toms WITHOUT the gray coating on the inside of the shell during the 1960s or 1970s? Someone is trying to pass off an 8x12, claiming it to be a six-ply maple shell but there is no gray coating inside the shell. Do you think this is a fake?

Other details, in case they pertain: the label inside has model # 4415W, implying 8x12 in Walnut finish but the finish is actually champagne sparkle, so I know the drum and the label don't add up. The label type (no "Guaranteed for life" slogan) and serial number, 63495, are consistent with circa 1977 according to published literature (like Richard Gier's dating guide).

I've seen many gretsch drums but have never seen a 6-ply maple Gretsch with no gray coating inside the shell. I’m afraid this is a hoax. Can anyone help?

Thanks for your time.

PaulSdrums

Posted on 12 years ago
#1
Posts: 586 Threads: 22

This drum was available about two months ago as part of a modified set.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Gretsch-Drum-Set-SSB-Champagne-Sparkle-18-14-12-w-matching-snare-/120948516387?ru=http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_sacat=0&_nkw=120948516387&_rdc=1&nma=true&si=yR4ymTZGOnT8y1QJ6YLiH0XAHfA%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

This is a slightly odd drum. I see three issues:

1. Wood Grain - The wood grain appears to run top to bottom rather than around the circumference. This would be very unusual.

2. Lack of Silver Sealer - There were several drums without silver sealer in the RB era in the 72000-76000 serial number range, but this did not appear to happen often in the Stop Sign era. That said, I have a drum in my log (Serial Number 63182 in the Second Sequence) that reportedly did not have the silver sealer. The drum for sale would therefore not be the only one of its kind.

3. Model Number - Although the "W" is usually associated with wood shelled drums, I have other drums in the log in the same serial number range which were wrapped or lacquer finished that have "W" in their model number.

Rick

Collecting information about the following for ongoing research projects:
Gretsch drums with serial numbers,
Ludwig Keystone and B/O badge drums with serial numbers and date stamps,
Ludwig Standards from 1968-73, and
Ludwigs with paper labels from 1971-72
www.GretschDrumDatingGuide.com
Posted on 12 years ago
#2
Posts: 6524 Threads: 37

Why on Earth would you book match veneer horizontally ??

It`s a drum,.....Hit It !!

.....76/#XK9207 Phonic Sound Machine D454/D-505 snares !i
Posted on 12 years ago
#3
Posts: 5227 Threads: 555

From PaulSdrums

Hello,To anyone's knowledge, did Gretsch make any 6-ply maple tom toms WITHOUT the gray coating on the inside of the shell during the 1960s or 1970s? Someone is trying to pass off an 8x12, claiming it to be a six-ply maple shell but there is no gray coating inside the shell. Do you think this is a fake? Other details, in case they pertain: the label inside has model # 4415W, implying 8x12 in Walnut finish but the finish is actually champagne sparkle, so I know the drum and the label don't add up. The label type (no "Guaranteed for life" slogan) and serial number, 63495, are consistent with circa 1977 according to published literature (like Richard Gier's dating guide). I've seen many gretsch drums but have never seen a 6-ply maple Gretsch with no gray coating inside the shell. I’m afraid this is a hoax. Can anyone help? Thanks for your time.PaulSdrums

Post photos of the drum.If the drum is the one that drumdad posted its a fake..The one posted is a M.I.J. shell the wood is not Maple.....Mikey

Posted on 12 years ago
#4
Posts: 2197 Threads: 202

The auction claims the 12 is probably an "artist" drum.I have never heard this term used.Does he mean it was made for a particular artist who specifically requested no silver sealer?

Posted on 12 years ago
#5
Posts: 586 Threads: 22

From teverson-sr

The auction claims the 12 is probably an "artist" drum.I have never heard this term used.Does he mean it was made for a particular artist who specifically requested no silver sealer?

I think that is a catchall for a drum that has atypical features that cannot be explained by the seller, as in: "The artist/endorser/customer must have requested that the drum be customized to meet their particular preferences."

Given the particulars of this particular set, rewrapped with some round badge drums rebadged as stop sign drums (tacks still visible on interior with vent hole added), I don't think that an artist was involved.

Collecting information about the following for ongoing research projects:
Gretsch drums with serial numbers,
Ludwig Keystone and B/O badge drums with serial numbers and date stamps,
Ludwig Standards from 1968-73, and
Ludwigs with paper labels from 1971-72
www.GretschDrumDatingGuide.com
Posted on 12 years ago
#6
Posts: 7 Threads: 2

I appreciate all the helpful replies everyone posted. The 12” and 14” drums from that kit are indeed HIGHLY suspect. The 14 has some funky gray paint inside that fails to even vaguely resemble Silver Sealer. The 18 is the genuine article, albeit modified quite a bit. (Good point about there having been no artist involved!) Being an acoustic drummer myself born during the Round Badge era, I can't figure out how to post the pictures I've taken because JPEG files are too big. If I do, I'll post them. Thanks again to all who responded.

Posted on 12 years ago
#7
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