You should be able to pull the hex shaft out of there.

Here's an idea I saw online once...use the original bracket plate as a base for a different style mount.

Previous owner of this 1979 set used a YAMAHA tom mount to solve the problem. Required drilling four new holes in the tom but none in the bass drum.

Yes. Some of my favorite modern drums are Japan made. And the hardware works. Consistent build quality. Many great jazz drummers went in that direction.

The worst part of that Gretsch ball mount was that it would never clamp down tight enough to hold, even after bottoming out. (I bought mine new in '82; a mix of stopsign badges and paper tags)

I fixed it by wrapping a piece of snareside drum head around the hex rod and then slipping the plastic ball over that. Holds tight - the larger tom is 10x14 and doesn't budge. Set it and forget it. :)

I haven't had that problem at all my 10x14" is the chrome ove steel wrap they are heavy as all get out the ball mount holds very sturdy and strong.

Totally agree ...I owned a Yamaha YD9000 kit about 10 years ago , which was my first Japanese-made kit . Should never have sold it - big mistake . Last year bought one of the last kits to come out of the Sakae factory in Osaka ( not buying made in China , sorry ) : 18/14/12 Burgundy Sparkle lacquer Birch Custom Absolute and man oh man I wish I'd taken the plunge sooner . There is a new old stock Yamaha Maple Custom 18/14/12 in the vintage natural finish for sale here in Japan which I've been drooling over ...One of the last NEW Made in Japan Yam kits for sale in the world .