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1948 Gretsch Broadkaster Snare...need suggestions and answers. Last viewed: 1 hour ago

Posts: 759 Threads: 176

This is my latest project. It's a 1948 Gretsch Snare Standard Broadkaster. Just got it the other day and the good news is that there are no extra holes and all the original hardware is on the drum. Shell looks good and should be a nice player.

The bad news is that the Duco paint job is flaking all over the place.

So here are my questions for the forum:

1. What type of wood was used on this type of drum ? I noticed it was really much heavier then I expected.

2. What type of re-finish job would you go with ?

A: Strip it and go natural wood or stain

B: Re-wrap. Thinking maybe Midnight Blue Pearl to match my 1953 Gretsch Cocktail Kit.

C: Recreate the Duco or give it a lacquer paint job that would be period correct.

D: Clean it up and keep the flaky original duco

Thanks for your suggestions.

Derek

1954 Gretsch Name Band Outfit White Marine Pearl
1964 Ludwig Downbeat Kit Champagne Sparkle
1964 Ludwig Jazz Combo Kit Gold Sparkle
1964 Gretsch Jazz Progressive Jazz Progressive Kit
1965 Ludwig Club Date Kit BDP
1971 Slingerland 13,16,22 in Black Sparkle
1979 Rogers XP-8 Super Londoner Tobacco Sunburst
1982 Rogers XP-8 Black Londoner
Numerous Snare Drums
Posted on 13 years ago
#1
Posts: 3165 Threads: 969

Just wondering what that metal cover is over the throw? I assume it's an "add-on"?

Posted on 13 years ago
#2
Posts: 1273 Threads: 22

Cool find. Is it an option to spray clear over the finish that's there? Isn't it kind of a historic piece? Not sure about stripping or wrapping dies to value, if that's even a concern.

Look forward to your route and pics.

B

Vintage Drum Fan (Not a Guru)
Posted on 13 years ago
#3
Posts: 966 Threads: 213

Personally, I would take off all the metal bits, then clean the shell with nothing more than a damp cloth. After that, get some orange oil and wipe it on. You may have to repeat this several times as it soaks in to the old finish. You've got nothing to loose and the results may be surprising. As for the metal, try Cape Cod Polishing cloths. I found them at my local hardware store. I cleaned up this marching snare using these techniques. Everything 'born' in 1948 has wrinkles. To me, over-restoration would be a mistake.

Nice find. Love it.

...
'68 Ludwig Ruby Red Strata
'68 Ludwig Mod Orange
'58 Gretsch Starlight Sparkle
'69 Ludwig Clubdate BDP
'60s Ludwig Clubdate Black Lacquer / Nickel
'67 Trixon Speedfire Red
COB Ludwig Supra
Many projects
Bunch o snares
Posted on 13 years ago
#4
Posts: 759 Threads: 176

I have actually done some scouring on the net and thought I saw some other snare's of this vintage with that same metal cover on the strainer. Maybe some Gretsch experts can weigh in on that.

Looks like we are leaning toward keeping and preserving it's present state on the restoration.

Guess it couldn't hurt to clean everything up and see how it sits with me. Does have some character as it sits.

I recently took an old Leedy down to the wood and refinished the shell and it looks so good. It has me tempted to do the same on this one. But the Leedy I believe was originally natural wood that someone painted over so it was easier to make the decision.

1954 Gretsch Name Band Outfit White Marine Pearl
1964 Ludwig Downbeat Kit Champagne Sparkle
1964 Ludwig Jazz Combo Kit Gold Sparkle
1964 Gretsch Jazz Progressive Jazz Progressive Kit
1965 Ludwig Club Date Kit BDP
1971 Slingerland 13,16,22 in Black Sparkle
1979 Rogers XP-8 Super Londoner Tobacco Sunburst
1982 Rogers XP-8 Black Londoner
Numerous Snare Drums
Posted on 13 years ago
#5
Posts: 966 Threads: 213

Here's another picture of a Gretsch part that I soaked in vinegar. Don't leave it too long, because it is corrosive. Best of all, a gallon of vinegar is super cheap!

...
'68 Ludwig Ruby Red Strata
'68 Ludwig Mod Orange
'58 Gretsch Starlight Sparkle
'69 Ludwig Clubdate BDP
'60s Ludwig Clubdate Black Lacquer / Nickel
'67 Trixon Speedfire Red
COB Ludwig Supra
Many projects
Bunch o snares
Posted on 13 years ago
#6
Posts: 6583 Threads: 644

From skapunk_edge

This is my latest project. It's a 1948 Gretsch Snare Standard Broadkaster. Just got it the other day and the good news is that there are no extra holes and all the original hardware is on the drum. Shell looks good and should be a nice player.The bad news is that the Duco paint job is flaking all over the place.So here are my questions for the forum:1. What type of wood was used on this type of drum ? I noticed it was really much heavier then I expected.2. What type of re-finish job would you go with ? A: Strip it and go natural wood or stain B: Re-wrap. Thinking maybe Midnight Blue Pearl to match my 1953 Gretsch Cocktail Kit. C: Recreate the Duco or give it a lacquer paint job that would be period correct. D: Clean it up and keep the flaky original ducoThanks for your suggestions.Derek

The cover over the strainer is original.

BE CAREFUL if you strip it!

It is LEAD BASED PAINT!

I can tell the finish is about to flake right of,so I vote for taking it to the maple underneath.

I have heard from a few people that these drums sound great!

"Always make sure your front bottom BD lugs clear the ground!"
Posted on 13 years ago
#7
Posts: 759 Threads: 176

What precautions do I need to take of I strip it ? It is flaking right off so I think a light sanding might do the trick without stripping it.

I used Citristrip on the Leedy project I just finished and it worked well with just one quick application.

1954 Gretsch Name Band Outfit White Marine Pearl
1964 Ludwig Downbeat Kit Champagne Sparkle
1964 Ludwig Jazz Combo Kit Gold Sparkle
1964 Gretsch Jazz Progressive Jazz Progressive Kit
1965 Ludwig Club Date Kit BDP
1971 Slingerland 13,16,22 in Black Sparkle
1979 Rogers XP-8 Super Londoner Tobacco Sunburst
1982 Rogers XP-8 Black Londoner
Numerous Snare Drums
Posted on 13 years ago
#8
Posts: 6583 Threads: 644

A high grade lead paint respirator is the first step......

they are $50-70,but worth it!

"Always make sure your front bottom BD lugs clear the ground!"
Posted on 13 years ago
#9
Posts: 715 Threads: 59

I like drums that show their age. I vote for keeping it original! Nice score too and I know they sound great. I still miss mine!

1957 George Way BDP 26" concert bass drum
1959 George Way BDP 22/12/16 w/ 5.5x14
1959 George Way Green Sparkle 22/12/16 w/5.5x14
1961 George Way Blue Sparkle 20/12/15
1961 George Way Jelly Bean 20/12/14 w/4.5x14
1960’s Camco Oaklawn Champagne 20/12/14/16w/5x14
1971-73 Camco Chanute Walnut 24/14/18 w/5x14 COB
Posted on 13 years ago
#10
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