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6ply 1947 Gretsch floor tom? Last viewed: 51 minutes ago

Posts: 2713 Threads: 555

Has anyone here ever come across 6ply Gretsch shells from the 40's?

My 40's project floor tom arrived today and it definately has at least 6plys going on. The shell does not seem to be altered in any way - the finish is brighter under the lugs like you'd expect. The badge and tack do not seem to be messed with. The finish is cracked and lifting off. The drum does not appear to be refinished. The shell inside smells old..(not new wood) - there is a date stamp in the shell - similar to the ones that are in my other 40's shells. The drum does not have correct hoops but I knew that going in.

I've got emails out to all the people I know that are Gretsch experts.

Posted on 12 years ago
#1
Posts: 2713 Threads: 555

This in from the experts:

The drum from all accounts seems to be factory from all the detailed photos I sent out.

Gretsch did a lot of experimenting with shells in the 40's and 50's.

I've been told this may be one of a very few (a prototype?) 40's 6ply drums.

There is some shell damage at the bearing edges in a few places. Ray Ayotte is helping me with that. Thank you Ray!

It appears I have a nice little project on my hands.

Posted on 12 years ago
#2
Posts: 6524 Threads: 37

Did Gretch have steam ovens in the mid 40`s ?

It`s a drum,.....Hit It !!

.....76/#XK9207 Phonic Sound Machine D454/D-505 snares !i
Posted on 12 years ago
#3
Posts: 10714 Threads: 579

Gary, this is a new one to me, very cool drum though.

Your drummers not much good is he!? What you need is someone that's as good as me. ! John Henry Bonham !!
Posted on 12 years ago
#4
Posts: 2713 Threads: 555

I don't know.............maybe.

Why do you ask?

thanks,

Gary

From OddBall

Did Gretch have steam ovens in the mid 40`s ?

Posted on 12 years ago
#5
Posts: 6524 Threads: 37

I was thinking that if they didn't , that may be why it is delaminating. Form methods can have clamping issues and poor glue coverage if the worker is haveing a bad day ! I

It`s a drum,.....Hit It !!

.....76/#XK9207 Phonic Sound Machine D454/D-505 snares !i
Posted on 12 years ago
#6
Posts: 6524 Threads: 37

Also I have never heard of a 6 ply in the fourties ! I H

It`s a drum,.....Hit It !!

.....76/#XK9207 Phonic Sound Machine D454/D-505 snares !i
Posted on 12 years ago
#7
Posts: 2713 Threads: 555

Just received some more info on my drum:

"Shells were either bent using either a wet or dry process...the wraps were glued on a fabric glued to the shells. Then burlap was stretched around the shell. The burlap had wood on each end..the two wooden sections were clamped together to uniformly squeeze out air...and set up drying. Later the seam was glued down and clamped"

The above seems to be what I see regarding the cloth and burlap.

Check it out in the photo.

Also - it looks like someone has cut down the wrap....probably to help the head fit better. You can also see what appear to be blade marks to the right of the wrap seam joint. As we know, some of the heads fit tight on old Gretsch shells....and this one does. I noticed that the head fits a little better on this end that it does on the other. But asided from what may be 'after market' chopping and cutting...the wrap appears to be factory.

From OddBall

Did Gretch have steam ovens in the mid 40`s ?

Posted on 12 years ago
#8
Posts: 10714 Threads: 579

Gary the fabric is cheesecloth, Gretsch used this during this time frame.

Your drummers not much good is he!? What you need is someone that's as good as me. ! John Henry Bonham !!
Posted on 12 years ago
#9
Posts: 2713 Threads: 555

Mark - thanks - yes, I got a message from Harry Cangany regarding that.

From vintagemore2000

Gary the fabric is cheesecloth, Gretsch used this during this time frame.

Posted on 12 years ago
#10
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