here is a link for the 1971 catalog....you'll find the rock outfit right away.

http://www.gretschdrums.com/ebooks/1971/index.html#/1/

Hi again, Hardbopman posted the right catalog showing the rock and roll set up. This later 1977 catalog shows your finish (ebony) is a factory offering – at this point they were still using the monster mount as well.

http://www.gretschdrums.com/ebooks/DC_77/index.html

Thanks hbm and supra, this helps quite a bit. I had seen the ebony finish, but mine seem to have a green tint to them, so I thought it might have been a refinished kit. Also, the floor tom is a fair bit darker... maybe just fading o nthe lighter ones?? Finally, mine came with a matching wood snare rather than the chrome one as listed in the catalog.

I have an '81 set in rosewood and the stain can vary in darkness. I've seen some sets that almost look mismatched because the stain on one shell is lighter or darker then the next.

Strange, but that seems to make sense. It's funny, they all match really well except for the floor tom. Oh well, it's my first Gretsch kit and I really dig them regardless of that fact! And to top it off, I love the sizes. So, does anyone else have any other information on these? Would these be jasper shells or maple? When it comes to Gretsch, I'm still a total newb. I never really got to know much about Gretsch drums because they're generally out of my price range. I'm super glad I found these, with matching wood snare to boot!

That's a great finish, cool drums. My brother has an 81 Rosewood finish kit that developed variance over the years as well. Important to keep sun off those babies. Those are Jasper shells, which is a company name and they are also delightfully maple. Enjoy those, great entry into the Gretsch space. I'm still waiting for the right opportunity for an early 80s kit.

I bet your 16 and my 16 would be a match: http://www.vintagedrumforum.com/showthread.php?t=34019

JFBL - thanks for the clarification, much appreciated. Yes, I'm super stoked to have gotten these as me entry into the workd of Gretsch. They're by no means in perfect shape, but they have just enough character and wear that I won't mind taking them out and using them. The more I look around for this finish, the more I'm beginning to think it wasn't att that common. Any ideas?

Acwmark - yes! It looks like our floor toms are a dead match.

Gretsch offered a blueish/teal color, not sure what they called it, that turned a bit darker with age, might be what you have. Nice set, enjoy!