Need Some Help Identifying A Vintage Gretsch Set

[ImaMan]

Hi ya'll, I received a vintage Gretsch set for free from someone who wanted me to throw it away for them. Evidently it was their dad's and they were trying to throw it out. At first I didn't realize what it was because I'm not a drummer and it was petty gross, but I later looked into it and found a little info, but I'm still unsure of what exactly it is from what time period.

I'm currently restoring this kit since I have some experience in that department. I have all the hardware, but have taken it off the drums to clean the shells.

There is a 20" bass drum, a 12" and 16" tom, and a 14" snare.

Here are some pics.

The snare drum is the only one without a sticker on it (looks like it was ripped off at some point). Sorry if the image formatting is poor, I'm on mobile. Any help will be much appreciated!

 

[JDA]

81965, 93483, - 1967
27121- 1964

looks maybe a Rock And Roll Outfit

see 66 catalog at www.vintagedrumguide.com

Is there a top Mount bracket (hole) on the bass drum? for a post?

 

[bassanddrum84]

Wish someone gave me a free vintage gretsch kit should clean up pretty good

 

[JDA]

yea it's a $1000-$2000 set depending on how it pans out +/- etc

 

[JDA]

that's original walnut finish that's pretty nice
- another distinction to note is: round head or hex head screws to hold lugs on.
Round/flat screwdriver head are the earlier mid 67 on back; Hex head the mid 67 to 68 on out.
Be careful with those
~
Need/Like to see Bass drum top where (what type of) tom attachment might have been

 

[ImaMan]

that's original walnut finish that's pretty nice
- another distinction to note is: round head or hex head screws to hold lugs on.
Round/flat screwdriver head are the earlier mid 67 on back; Hex head the mid 67 to 68 on out.
Be careful with those

Yeah they were all round head flat head to hold the lugs on. I had 3 snap on me on the bass drum unfortunately, but I've already drilled them out and retapped them. The rest of them on the shells came out without issue. The dampeners have quite a bit of surface rust on them, but I'm just happy they were all there and functional. I know the bass drum does have a bracket that comes out of the top with a flat part that slides into the tom and holds it in place, but I will take a closer look when I get home and snap a picture for you.

 

[JDA]

I know the bass drum does have a bracket that comes out of the top with a flat part that slides into the tom and holds it in place, but I will take a closer look when I get home and snap a picture for you.

sounds like a two-hole Rail Consolette mount; so far so good!
You have a gem of a set there- even if the floor is 16 (instead of the 'oh-wow' 14"

The finish looks unfazed by time;
Gretsch again for the win (sorry 5 finger guys (inside joke)
welcome Imaman

 

[flatwins]

What a score! Restoration back as close to original is your best bet.

 

[bassanddrum84]

It always seems like the non drummer always get the best deals lol

 

[KCDrumDad]

I suspect that the drums have been refinished and were originally wrapped or painted. The spread of the serial numbers and the snare with the Lightning throw indicates that these are from different time periods and would not likely all match unless refinished. Still a great project and should sound great.

 

[ImaMan]

It always seems like the non drummer always get the best deals lol

Well I'm definitely learning now! I needed a set for my studio and this is going to be really fun to play on once it's finished.

 

[ImaMan]

I suspect that the drums have been refinished and were originally wrapped or painted. The spread of the serial numbers and the snare with the Lightning throw indicates that these are from different time periods and would not likely all match unless refinished. Still a great project and should sound great.

Interesting! Is there any way to know for sure if they are refinished?

 

[KCDrumDad]

On the snare it looks like there is a seam that someone used wood filler or putty to smooth out. If that is correct, it did not accept the stain well so looks lighter in color. How do the seams on the other drums look?

 

[studrum]

I suspect that the drums have been refinished and were originally wrapped or painted. The spread of the serial numbers and the snare with the Lightning throw indicates that these are from different time periods and would not likely all match unless refinished. Still a great project and should sound great.

This^^^^

Cue David Rose...

 

[studrum]

But they are still gems!

 

[ImaMan]

sounds like a two-hole Rail Consolette mount; so far so good!
You have a gem of a set there- even if the floor is 16 (instead of the 'oh-wow' 14"

The finish looks unfazed by time;
Gretsch again for the win (sorry 5 finger guys (inside joke)
welcome Imaman

Here is the mount for that bass drum.

On the snare it looks like there is a seam that someone used wood filler or putty to smooth out. If that is correct, it did not accept the stain well so looks lighter in color. How do the seams on the other drums look?

The seams don't look too bad on the other drums, but I can definitely see what you mean on the snare.

And here is my progress on the first dampener. Steel wool, Mothers Powermetal, and a steel will!

 

[D. B. Cooper]

Those are sweet! Why are people always trying to throw drums away!?

Are you looking to refurbish to sell them?

 

[JDA]

Good job on the metal parts
(are you that guy on the TV commercial?)
The shells look Grand. (great)

 

[ImaMan]

Those are sweet! Why are people always trying to throw drums away!?

Are you looking to refurbish to sell them?

I don't think I'll sell them, I've grown quite attached to them already and plan to add them to my studio to record with.

Good job on the metal parts
(are you that guy on the TV commercial?)
The shells look Grand. (great)

Thanks! I'll post pictures in this thread as I bring it back from the land of rust!

 

[Tama CW]

The sound of those drums is going to knock your socks off.