Question about old Gretsch Jazz kit with 18" bass drum.

[stockjock]

So unfortunately my mother recently passed away and I’ve had this Gretsch jazz kit at her house, for decades actually. It’s pretty dirty as you can see, and mom has been in Assisted Living for a few years.

Now we turn towards settling the estate and I will probably have to get rid of these drums since I haven’t played them in a long time.

I am guessing they’re from the 50s or 60s. Again dirty, but could certainly be cleaned up and refurbished.

I’m wondering if anyone knows what these are exactly when they were made and what an approximate value might be in OK condition.

I've had some questions (on F about they cymbals and they are all older Zildjians. I'm in the San Diego area, FWIW.

 

[costanzadrums]

That looks more like a 20”

 

[stockjock]

I think it's 18", but I'll measure it next time I'm over there.

 

[JDA]

53740
1966

 

[dingaling]

Might be better off taking them to a local drum store. Too many factors to consider than can be made based off that picture.
If that’s a 12, 13 concert tom, 14 floor tom, and 18 kick, then there’s probably some value there.

 

[charlesm]

Might be better off taking them to a local drum store. Too many factors to consider than can be made based off that picture.
If that’s a 12, 13 concert tom, 14 floor tom, and 18 kick, then there’s probably some value there.

I'm assuming you don't mean sell them to a local drum store. They'll pay peanuts.

If there's indeed at least an 18-12-14 Gretsch kit here, clean these up as best you can and sell them direct to a buyer.

You may be very pleasantly surprised at what you can get.

 

[drumsforme]

Someone installed a Ludwig tom mounting system and I agree that the kick looks like a 20"

 

[Pre ‘72]

The concert tom is not a Gretsch.

I’d like to see the snare drum. Maybe a Max Roach model?

And don’t bring them anywhere. Sell them here. You’ll get what they’re worth.

 

[stockjock]

The concert tom is not a Gretsch.

I’d like to see the snare drum. Maybe a Max Roach model?

And don’t bring them anywhere. Sell them here. You’ll get what they’re worth.

I think one of the concert toms may be Slingerland, but I'm not sure. The bass pedal is Speed King, or something like that, probably also from the 1960s.

Obviously everyone wants a "good deal", but I'm just looking to sell for fair market value, or something close. Just trying to figure out what I've got.
Next time I'm at moms, I'll get some better pics, especially of the cymbals and snare.

 

[JDA]

from here looks like 2 days away from being a Parts Drum set;
best get it out of there and do a Light clean before it may be too late
Just a thought

 

[Phantomlimb777]

I think one of the concert toms may be Slingerland, but I'm not sure. The bass pedal is Speed King, or something like that, probably also from the 1960s.

Obviously everyone wants a "good deal", but I'm just looking to sell for fair market value, or something close. Just trying to figure out what I've got.
Next time I'm at moms, I'll get some better pics, especially of the cymbals and snare..

Players kits are generally much less expensive than a kit in collectible condition.
If there are no badges, even worse.

I’d be interested to see what the cymbals are.

 

[mikesdrums]

What color are (or were) they? I can't tell if they're solid white or something else. They actually look like they might be covered in contact paper since there seems to be some bubbling in the wrap on the bass drum and concert tom. Could just be the pic, though.

 

[Pre ‘72]

My bet is they clean up beautifully.

Looks white marine pearl to me. Possibly recovered. And someone shellacked the inside of the bass drum. Or spread that Campbell’s soup all over it.

Upload 5 or 6 pics of each drum here with exact depth and diameter measurements. A couple shots of the interior of each drum (head removed) will give even more info.

 

[JDA]

looks 20/12/16 with

Could be 14 looks like small lug.

 

[stockjock]

I took pictures of a couple of the symbols and I’m wondering if anyone can tell me anything about these? I have an older 22 inch ride that was made in turkey, or USA made 20 inch crash. It’s also on the other side II took pictures of a couple of the symbols and I’m wondering if anyone can tell me anything about these? I have a older 22 inch ride that was made in turkey, or USA made 20 inch crash. It’s also on the older side I think, and then I have the hi hat cymbals, which I have not included a photo of because they are probably from the 70s.

 

[el_37]

What size did the bass drum end up being? 18" or 20"?

 

[stockjock]

Crap, was just there today and forgot to measure it.

 

[Tama CW]

1966-1972 K Zildjian Istanbul New Stamp on the first stamp. Other one is an Avedis 1960's stamp.
To determine value need photos of both sides of each, and weights.

 

[stockjock]

I'll have to figure out how to weigh them.

 

[Tama CW]

I'll have to figure out how to weigh them.

Take them to the Post Office, Staples, Shipping store, etc. Tell them you'll be shipping them and you need the weight. Nearest ounce is fine.

 

[rikkrebs]

Several things you need to consider. Have someone vintage drum knowledge look over them and make sure there isn't any water damage and the drums are "In Round". As they currently sit they are an old , dirty drum kit in a garage. Correctly cleaned and presented professionally, they are some ones dream kit. That being said.....DO NOT CLEAN THE CYMBALS.

With the missing bass hoop and hardware and the Ludwig mount......and being in the shape they are currently in you will not get top dollar. However, somebody will want them.