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Trying to identify Gretsch drum model/year Last viewed: 4 seconds ago

Posts: 8 Threads: 1

So I have an old Gretsch 3pc set (high tom, floor tom, kick drum). I'd really like to identify the model they are as well as the year (or as close as possible).

Based on what I've researched, I've identified it as a kit from the late 60's, maybe 70 I think because...

-It has a round emblem with the "flower-like" center on tom toms

-It has what I believe to be a "chrome steel" finish (aqua blue, reflective finish)

-Silver inside finish

-6 ply shells

-Hexagonal interior nuts

-Inside printed sticker with 6 digit serial

My problem, the model number line is blank on the tom toms! Also, there is no sticker on the kick drum inside. Also, the emblem on the kick drum has a hole in the middle, instead of a "flower-like" center like the tom toms.

If you could please tell me what more info you would need to identify and help me figure this out, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thank you.

Posted on 12 years ago
#1
Posts: 217 Threads: 42

Please post photos. It's difficult to provide accurate information without seeing them.

Posted on 12 years ago
#2
Posts: 2713 Threads: 555

Hi

Your drums finish is Satin Flame.

I would guess at the year between 68...70 (known 6 digit serial numbers) and hex nuts and as early as 1967 if your snare has a Lightning Strainer. In Richard Gier's book on dating RB drums records show the switch from Microsensitive strainer to Lightning occurred in 67.

I'm finding with Gretsch drums there always is exceptions so the info above is a guide....a good guide though.

Do you have photos of your drums you can post? Look carefully at where the model # is supposed to be stamped....it may be faded off. I have a Gretsch tom where I can bearly read the number but it is there. But, there just may not be a number in your case...don't know why.

Also

Gretsch toms have tacks in the center of the badges. Gretsch snare drums and bass drums have gommets.

Posted on 12 years ago
#3
Posts: 8 Threads: 1

Thank you for your quick reply and info. I thought the same thing about the model number, but I'm seeing absolutely nothing, where as the serial number is clearly printed.

Here's some pictures. Sorry about the poor quality. All I had was my laptop's webcam.

Full Set:

[IMG]http://www.snowtheband.com/drums/set_main.jpg[/IMG]

Finish:

[IMG]http://www.snowtheband.com/drums/finish_example.jpg[/IMG]

Kick:

[IMG]http://www.snowtheband.com/drums/kick_main.jpg[/IMG]

Kick Inside:

[IMG]http://www.snowtheband.com/drums/kick_inside.jpg[/IMG]

Kick Emblem:

[IMG]http://www.snowtheband.com/drums/kick_emblem.jpg[/IMG]

High Tom:

[IMG]http://www.snowtheband.com/drums/hightom_main.jpg[/IMG]

Posted on 12 years ago
#4
Posts: 8 Threads: 1

High Tom Inside:

[IMG]http://www.snowtheband.com/drums/hightom_inside.jpg[/IMG]

High Tom Emblem:

[IMG]http://www.snowtheband.com/drums/hightom_emblem.jpg[/IMG]

Floor Tom:

[IMG]http://www.snowtheband.com/drums/floortom_main.jpg[/IMG]

Floor Tom Inside:

[IMG]http://www.snowtheband.com/drums/floortom_inside.jpg[/IMG]

Floor Tom Emblem:

[IMG]http://www.snowtheband.com/drums/floortom_emblem.jpg[/IMG]

Posted on 12 years ago
#5
Posts: 8 Threads: 1

Floor Tom Sticker:

[IMG]http://www.snowtheband.com/drums/floortom_sticker.jpg[/IMG]

High Tom Sticker:

[IMG]http://www.snowtheband.com/drums/hightom_sticker.jpg[/IMG]

Posted on 12 years ago
#6
Posts: 6524 Threads: 37

Satin flame was introduced in 1964, the round badge went till 71, however the diamond floor tom mount had visible fasteners on the plate, that did change durring this time. I cant tell if your screws are visible. Can you see the screws on the floor tom brackets ?

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

.....76/#XK9207 Phonic Sound Machine D454/D-505 snares !i
Posted on 12 years ago
#7
Posts: 6524 Threads: 37

I think that bracket change was 65, but I`m a Sonor guy and don`t recall, but there are many here with Gretsch drums that can narrow it down by things like mufflers, brackets, rails, ect.

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

.....76/#XK9207 Phonic Sound Machine D454/D-505 snares !i
Posted on 12 years ago
#8
Posts: 6524 Threads: 37

I notice 8 lug BD, What size is it ?

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

.....76/#XK9207 Phonic Sound Machine D454/D-505 snares !i
Posted on 12 years ago
#9
Posts: 8 Threads: 1

The screws are not visible from outside on floor tom brackets.

Measured all drums, here's what I have:

High Tom- 8"x12"

Floor Tom - 16"x16"

Kick - 20"x(about)14"

Also, I think I've found that this set is possibly a Bebob set. Does this sound right? I'm very interested in finding out what model this is so I can find out details like what wood they consist of, exact dimensions, hardware replacement, etc.

Posted on 12 years ago
#10
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