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Thoughts on this Gretsch kit or did I do a dumb thing or not?

Posts: 560 Threads: 147

I just paid $499 for this drum set not knowing much about Gretsch and the correct parts etc. The kit was listed as a mid 70's drum set and I could tell that that was incorrect. It appears to be an early to mid 80's Gretsch kit finished in the walnut stain finish. It is in reasonable shape with some dings, dents and gouges. The shells appear to be in great shape. The seller claims that everything appears to be original, but the tom mounting hardware and the floor tom leg hardware do not appear to be. He says the hardware on the floor tom legs say "Gretsch" and that there are no extra holes in the bass drum or floor tom. So, for you Gretsch experts, how did I do, what is not original, is the finish original, will the Rams stay in St. Louis etc.???

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Posted on 9 years ago
#1
Posts: 10714 Threads: 579

It is a 70's kit, the tom mount is correct it is the monster gretsch tom mount, go buy it now. That's a great price for that great gretsch sound.

Your drummers not much good is he!? What you need is someone that's as good as me. ! John Henry Bonham !!
Posted on 9 years ago
#2
Posts: 560 Threads: 147

From vintagemore2000

It is a 70's kit, the tom mount is correct it is the monster gretsch tom mount, go buy it now. That's a great price for that great gretsch sound.

Thanks. What is now confusing is that the badge is definitely the square badge type that started in 81 or so but the catalogs from that time frame show a completely different tom mounting system and floor tom tom hardware. Kooky.

Posted on 9 years ago
#3
Posts: 6524 Threads: 37

The badge is correct from at least 1977 on.

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

.....76/#XK9207 Phonic Sound Machine D454/D-505 snares !i
Posted on 9 years ago
#4
Posts: 6524 Threads: 37

It`s a limited addition badge.

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

.....76/#XK9207 Phonic Sound Machine D454/D-505 snares !i
Posted on 9 years ago
#5
Posts: 6524 Threads: 37

Here`s a 77 cat scan of the limited badge.

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

.....76/#XK9207 Phonic Sound Machine D454/D-505 snares !i
Posted on 9 years ago
#6
Posts: 10714 Threads: 579

You are going to hear some say the monster tom mount is crap. It's awfully funny most of these making this comment haven't even owned or seen these year model gretsch kits in person, they are just repeating what they've heard others say, This tom mount system is as sturdy as they come. Once you get the toms mounted the way you like you'll never have to mess with it again, It is a little pain in the rear at first to get correct. You have a killer kit.

Your drummers not much good is he!? What you need is someone that's as good as me. ! John Henry Bonham !!
Posted on 9 years ago
#7
Posts: 560 Threads: 147

Here is a better picture of the badge. Isn't this the square early 80's badge?

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Posted on 9 years ago
#8
Posts: 2010 Threads: 19

The square badge appeared in the late 70's, then they went back to the stop sign for a bit, then reintroduced the square badge. Everything (you can see in the photos) looks okay on that kit as far as being "factory" for late 70's (pre Tech-ware hardware) drums. That's a great price.

Posted on 9 years ago
#9
Posts: 560 Threads: 147

Thanks for all of the great feedback.

Posted on 9 years ago
#10
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