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1959 Slingerland Kit and Gretsch Snare help... Last viewed: 5 hours ago

Posts: 11 Threads: 7

I've had this set for years, but I don't know that much about it. They were given to me by an aging drummer who was a family friend and played semi-professionally back in the day.

I know that it seems to be somewhat incomplete because it doesn't have a floor tom or the original snare. It has a Gretsch snare. The date on the shells is September 18, 1959 and they have the 'Chicago' badge on them. I'm a little bit curious about their value, but more than anything I just want to know more about them (are they rare? valuable? worth restoring?). The bass drum doesn't have the hardware on it in the pictures, but I have all of the pieces including the bass drum hoops. The tom has what appears to be the original calfskin head on the bottom.

Any info helps! I have plenty more pics as well.

Thanks!

- Jeff

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Posted on 13 years ago
#1
Posts: 9005 Threads: 266

Start scouring ebay, here and the World Wide Web to track down a period 16" x 16" floor tom for that kit. Beautiful, FAT, warm, great sounding drums.

Don't sell them! Play them!!!

John

Too many great drums to list here!

http://www.walbergandauge.com/VintageVenue.htm
Posted on 13 years ago
#2
Posts: 108 Threads: 46

I've got a set of what I think are 1958's same color, same badge, no date stamp just a big letter P inside each shell. I just cleaned them and put coated amb over clear amb on the toms, a PS 3 on the BD batter and a PS 3 smooth white on the BD reso, they sound amazing compared to any others I ever heard. If you decide not to keep them please let me know!!! Can't help you much on the snare I'm not a Gretsch guy.

Posted on 13 years ago
#3
Posts: 11 Threads: 7

Thanks for the help guys! The tom doesn't have any badge on it, but the stamping, hardware, and finish is the same as the Bass drum. Is this characteristic of these drums? Any idea of an approxomate value to the Bass and Tom?

Posted on 13 years ago
#4
Posts: 586 Threads: 22

The Gretsch snare is from the later 60s, probably about 1967. This is based upon the serial number, but also the combination of the Round Badge (used up until about 1969) and the first style of Lightning strainer with the left side throw arm (introduced around 1967). I am guessing that the screws attaching the lug casings have round heads rather than the later hexagonal heads (switched in about late 1967 / early 1968).

Collecting information about the following for ongoing research projects:
Gretsch drums with serial numbers,
Ludwig Keystone and B/O badge drums with serial numbers and date stamps,
Ludwig Standards from 1968-73, and
Ludwigs with paper labels from 1971-72
www.GretschDrumDatingGuide.com
Posted on 13 years ago
#5
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