90s/00’s gretsch broadkasters

[Framecode]

Hey all, picked up my first gretsch kit a few months ago, a 12/14/18 gretsch broadcaster, the kind with the weird gunmetal hardware. Unfortunately the seller neglected to mention that it had a. 12x10 rack Tom and a 14x12 floor tom rather than more normal depths, which I somehow didn’t pick up on from the pictures.

Anyway - I’m thinking about trying to flip it and was wondering if there was any useful info about kits from this era that would be good to know. I know they’re jasper shells but nothing beyond that.

 

[pedro navahas]

Post some pics, how do they sound?

 

[JDA]

what color are they? Pick up a 9X10 and set it to the right of the 10X12.

there's nothing particular to know except that have a pretty much sterling Rep in the aftermarket (FB groups etc) and there been Brian Blade yt vids (using them) and Malone has a vid

there's a thread here

Gretsch broadkaster(1990s-2000s)wanted

Looking for a set of Gretsch square badge broadkaster drums in bop(18,12,14) sizes. These are the ones made in the late 90s-early 2000s with 6 ply shells, gun metal hardware and satin finishes. I’m interested in any finish except satin walnut with or without matching snare.

www.drumforum.org

I have the Pricelists they were in;
They were the Last Series with USA in the badge (suspect all metal parts were still last of USA source)
and...

I bought in 2010 (12 years ago) from a Gretsch Dealer that shipped straight from the Gretsch Vinyard NOS to me
SWR
14X18 9x10 10x12 12x14

that I keep and wouldn't trade for the love of money
I highly suggest looking for a matching or unmatch color 9X10 and turn it into a 5 Pc Power BeBop Monster because.

that's what they are.. (mine above.
All my sound with them, is here

https://soundcloud.com/jda56%2Ftracks
(I installed the brackets on the toms) I'd seriously look for the 9X10 before bailing on them. You have the bebop/Williams bass with modern deep but compact power toms; that's a match made in 21st century gum/maple Heaven

there's a 9X10 6P gunmetal BK single (black) on reverb this very moment



other than that I don't know too much about them ; )

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=372829246684364

power toms on top of an 18" bass - in the real world- kill. in multitudinous ways;

 

[JDA]

and... (lol) there's "still parts" from Gretsch factorvinyard:

Gretsch Vinyard

On a visit to the Gretsch Drum Factory, artist, endorser, Vinnie Colaiuta (drummer for Jeff Beck, Herbie Hancock, Sting, Frank Zappa) came across some neat, New Old Stock (NOS) of Gretsch Drums buried on the shelves way in the back of the warehouse. Being completely blown away by this incredible...

www.gretschgear.com

I recall seeing the set you have on Reverb (was either walnut or rose satin)
Need the 9X10 to balance sonically the deep 10x12/
then, you're in 'like Flynn.

 

[steambent]

20 some years ago I was offered 2 complete NOS kits with 18 kicks. I believe in the 6-700 price range each. If offered the guy $1000 cash tax title out the door and he almost did it. They had been setting on the floor for like 2 years.

 

[JDA]

he must have been having a Fire sale (and burned the building the following day)
USA Gretsch even back then unheard of at that price. He would wholesale dealer cost be losing $ 350 each at least

 

[steambent]

He was a different type guy but he liked me because I always had cash. He always called me on old stuff. He died in a terrible wood cutting accident that was his fault, he was on a ladder with a chain saw.

 

[Framecode]

He was a different type guy but he liked me because I always had cash. He always called me on old stuff. He died in a terrible wood cutting accident that was his fault, he was on a ladder with a chain saw.

This didn't go where I expected.

JDA, mine is in the same colourway as yours. Great condition, though I've had a lot of trouble getting the floor tom to tune well. everythings straight, but it has the branded broadkaster coated head on the reso. Kind of wondering if the branded heads are of a lower quality? both on the floor tom reso and the bass drum reso they seem to be a bit more tuning unstable than the normal coated ambassadors that I have on the batters.

 

[JDA]

Kind of wondering if the branded heads are of a lower quality?

No. They're the best)

I put three/brackets/legs/on my 12X14)
(and 9020 bracks. on the 10&12)

same color is SWR satin rosewood) on your tag inside) (?
Those heads are great.
The 12 needs a 10 next to else the whole set sounds "low"
That's difficult..
You have the twin tom post (?) so a 10 is possible.

It has to be a 5 piece with that monster 10x12- which is a beautiful sounding drum- just not the old Philly Joe- knock knock-

It's a different modern age - need the 10 ---but don't get discouraged.

Get some Legs

Goedrum Drum Mounting Bracket Floor Tom Leg Bracket with Screws for Shell 5~9MM 736649927896 | eBay

Goedrum DIY No.20. l Suitable for drum shell thickness between 5mm and 9mm. l Complete with fixing screws.

www.ebay.com

that's sorta mine; take 1/2" diam. leg

That settles the 14.

 

[Framecode]

I threw the INDE drilless leg / lug mounts on it. Kinda wondering if thats causing some of the tuning weirdness. Still leaning towards trying to sell, I feel like the sizes on the toms prevent me from getting the sound im looking for (rack tom has too much low end even when tuned, high, and floor tom not enough when tuned high haha). The extra 2-3 inchs somehow makes the drum seem so much bigger? the diecast rims really add to the perception.

 

[JDA]

add a (USA 60s on up) Gretsch wood snare for an additional Gretsch voice)

https://soundcloud.com/jda56%2Ftones

 

[JazzDrumGuy]

Awesome kit. I do prefer 8x12 but 12x14 is fine. The house jazz drummer at the local Hyatt has this kit in burnt orange and I've sat in...the bass is amazing and a gorgeous looking and sounding kit!

 

[Houndog]

Sounds like you’ll likely never be quite satisfied with them to me ……

 

[JDA]

that's (the pic) is a 9X10 they have something in error' add one of those; add a dbl tom mount; and you won't regret it

Gretsch USA Broadkaster 10

Direct from the Gretsch Vinyard! Gretsch USA NOS drum. 6-ply maple shell Exclusive Silver Sealer Satin Walnut Finish Gunmetal Powder Coat Die Cast Hoops 10 Gunmetal Powder Coat Die Cast Lugs Includes RIMS mount with Gretsch Gunmetal 9020 tom bracket New, Old Stock Square Badge Manufactured in...

www.gretschgear.com

even color in description is off ; that's SWR in picture)

Last series with USA in the badge)

~
another one

Gretsch USA Custom 9

Direct from the Gretsch Vinyard! Gretsch USA NOS drum. 6-ply maple shell Exclusive Silver Sealer Gloss Walnut Finish Chrome Plated Die Cast Hoops 10 Chrome Plated Die Cast Lugs New, Old Stock Square Badge Comes in original box Manufactured in Ridgeland, SC drum factory Some aging or minor...

www.gretschgear.com

 

[JDA]

that's it I can't take no more..

Gretsch Broadkaster 1990 burgandy | Reverb

Gretsch Broadkaster. Great sounding 12,14,18 Bop set, 90's Jasper shells in mint condition. Comes with new Broadkaster heads. Amazing tone, balance and projection from such a small kit.Comes with Gretsch bass drum & tom suspension assembly and generic floor tom suspension mount International...

reverb.com

 

[JDA]

O No another one..

Gretsch Broadkaster 4 Piece Satin Rosewood (Atlanta, GA) | Reverb

This is a 4PC Gretsch Broadkaster. From the 1920s through the 1950s, the Gretsch flagship drum set was the legendary Broadkaster Series. It featured a thin, three-ply shell and produced what was to be, “That Great Gretsch Sound.” Broadkaster shells are made with a North American maple/poplar/mapl...

reverb.com

Buy the 9 X10 off him..

 

[Framecode]

O No another one..

Gretsch Broadkaster 4 Piece Satin Rosewood (Atlanta, GA) | Reverb

This is a 4PC Gretsch Broadkaster. From the 1920s through the 1950s, the Gretsch flagship drum set was the legendary Broadkaster Series. It featured a thin, three-ply shell and produced what was to be, “That Great Gretsch Sound.” Broadkaster shells are made with a North American maple/poplar/mapl...

reverb.com

Buy the 9 X10 off him..

First one is mine

 

[JDA]

(I know)
I don't see the Original heads there.. hmm?

 

[Framecode]

(I know)
I don't see the Original heads there.. hmm?

Theyre on the reso's, had ambasadors on the batters when it reached me rather than the pictured pinstripes (thankfully).