Yes - I've been on enough Grayhound buses to know what you're talking about.

The shipping via USPS is a lot less when I get something sent to Blaine Wa. USA (CAN-AMER Freight). It is amazing how much more it is to mail a drum just across the boarder to Vancouver sometimes. I've had a quote for instance on one package at $160 to Vancouver....but $40 I think it was to Blaine (I'd have to go back and look at what the exact postage was). It was from Sam Ash to me at Can-Amer. Even after driving from Van to Blaine and back I saved money....and I had a beer and lunch too! Yes - the boarder is fun....It's all that extra (or potentially extra) handling I guess they have to charge you for.

Just got an email from the seller - she's going to take more pix for me tonight (pix of the drums).

Why do you really want them? To collect? To fix up? To play? 1000.00 bucks is a lot for a kit you most likely will just look at. If you plan on fixing it up to flip you have to consider our wonderful global economy. The only reason I can see that makes sense is purely as a collector because you really are not gonna gig with them are you? It is a cool museum piece even if you left them original. If they had the pedal and the hardware I would say get them. The fact is pre-war era stuff is hard to find in good shape. I would love to have a Gretsch from every era and decade because I too love Gretsch but my wallet and my dreams do not have the same banker. Good luck if you buy them. They will be a project you will always look back on with pride once they are done and you play your first triplet on them.

Thanks for the reply.

I don't know exactly why I want them - I guess because I have a lot (for me I have a lot) of Gretsch drums and I don't have a whole kit this old.

Ya - the economy is down - and I'm not rich....I'm actually getting poorer - probably because I buy too many drums......ya think??

The following is taken directly from the posting - looks like no pedal:

They are defintely pre WW11 ERA set. Items are not available for individual sale. The set is missing connecting hardware, & foot pedal for the base.

Never seen these tacks (smooth) on Gretsch tom badges before. Do they look like they could actually be factory??

Looks like it to my yes. If it was a custom modification by the owner, it was done early, when the drums were still new. Those tacks and skins are as old as the drums. Makes me wonder about the dual tension lugs on them though. If the skins & tacks are 'factory' why would they have used dual tension lugs on them? Maybe Mark will add some info. I don't know much about Gretsch drums this old.

BTW, my buddy Madchops has a snare drum in that finish and last I heard, he was bidding on some matching drums to make a kit. I'd love to know how he made out.

Most interesting set of drums, Kona. I don't blame you one little bit for being hot for them. They reek drum mojo.

John

Its been my experience that the drums are never as good as the picture shows. I would demand several high res photos before shelling out 2 gs, but I am sure you know that. Just had to mention that many times I have made a trip to get drums and have been a little disapointed.

Jeff C

Thanks guys - it would be nice to see them 'live' before making a decision. I've asked a few more questions about the drums - my last email to her - and she has not responded yet. I wanted to know if the BD had a badge because it's not shown on the eBay photos or higher res photos she's sent me.

John

Isn't it referred to as "Single" tension if the drum can only be tuned (tensioned) from one head? That's what I get from looking at the catalogs.

1) two lugs - can be tuned seperately from each head = seperate tension.

2) One lug - but can be tuned from each head = dual tension

3) One lug - can only be tuned from one head (batter head side usually) = single tension.

I've never been told this - it's just how I've been reading it.

Correct me if I'm wrong please.