When you look at the edge, it's VERY obvious...

Gotcha...that makes sense! I wasn't sure if there were any rules such as if they have paper tags, etc.

Uh, look at the edge and count the plies???

This has to do with buying stuff online. Some sellers don't know, and will not specify. It sounds like taking the hoops off and counting plies is the only way to tell.

Count the plies... ;)

Here's a few ways, but not always fool proof (forgive me if some are obvious):

- Clear interiors are 3 ply (vs. silver, which can be either 3 or 6)

- 3 ply bass drums had "faucet-style" t-handles

- Bass drum rail mounts that put the tom way off to the side are 3 ply

- Cymbal attachments at the very top of a bass drum usually mean 3 ply

- Post-style mounts for floor tom legs mean 3 ply, 6 ply drums had diamond brackets (though some 3 ply drums did, too)

- Paper tags usually means 6 ply

NOTHING is obvious to me, a non drummer who just bought an old Gretsch kit. Definitely 3 ply, but I noticed your comment about interiors could be silver on 3. Mine are, so hopefully that could be original and not someone painting later? It is on all 3 pcs...

Yes, it's not rare at all to find late 3-ply kits with silver sealer. We'd love to see pictures of your kit!

I'm used to guitar forums where they routinely blast you for not finding all the answers yourself, thank you for the quick answer Poppies, this should be fun! Here's a horrible photo from the seller. Cant see much.. I'll get better ones later.[Attachment: 104589]

What would "later" 3 ply years be? The 16x16 floor tom is a Ludwig (looks like 1966), added to the One Nighter Plus kit I believe (cymbal stamps look like 50-52 if I'm reading them right).