Hey everyone,
I'm looking for more info or confirmation of what I have already found.
My co-worker brought in a kick and snare that belonged to his Grandpa.
I looked at the badge/hardware/finish and guessed that its from the 50's. It looks to be in decent shape as it was used in a polka band. My co-worker is thinking about selling it, but I have no idea what to tell him its worth. Any info as to the actual age, series/model and value would be great.
Thank you for any help!
Hi Mike,
Welcome to VDF.
I'll allow the resident Gretsch experts to assign a value to the drums for you. I can tell you that; the finish is rare and very desirable, (Sky Blue Pearl) the piccolo snare drum is rare, and that round badge bass drum (again, because of the wrap,) is a highly prized and valued instrument. If that kit had a matching rack and floor tom, there would be a major-league dog-fight over it.
How long have you been playing? Are you playing drums currently? You obviously know something about vintage drums, I was just curious if you're a player.
John
Late 50's Midnight Blue Pearl. Approximately same age and same finish as the first kit I ever played on.......well, it couldn't really be called playing at that point.
Hi Mike,Welcome to VDF.I'll allow the resident Gretsch experts to assign a value to the drums for you. I can tell you that; the finish is rare and very desirable, (Sky Blue Pearl) the piccolo snare drum is rare, and that round badge bass drum (again, because of the wrap,) is a highly prized and valued instrument. If that kit had a matching rack and floor tom, there would be a major-league dog-fight over it.How long have you been playing? Are you playing drums currently? You obviously know something about vintage drums, I was just curious if you're a player.John
Hi John,
actually, MBP is one of the most,if not thee most, common Gretsch finishes!
Champagne and MBP duke it out for most common...
BEAUTIFUL drums though! The snare is rare for sure........could be 3 ply too.......
Hi John,actually, MBP is one of the most,if not thee most, common Gretsch finishes!Champagne and MBP duke it out for most common...
Really! It is so highly prized on Ludwig kits of the same period. That's what I love about this place, learn something new every day. Thanx, Blair.
John
Hey,
Thank you for the welcome and the information. I dont have the drums with me and didnt look to closely at the inner shell (other than the internal snare muffle), I will have my co-worker check. I suspected it was the blue pearl, but wasnt sure cause it looks like more of a grey at this point, lol.
Purdie- I have been playing for 15ish years. I've never really been too interested in vintage drums until recently, so when my co-worker brought these in, I had to do some research. To me, more than the drums, its the places they have been and the history they have seen.
Thanks again everyone, and I will try to post a few more pics.
Mike,
If that shell is 4 inches high by 14 diameter, that's a Max Roach/Progressive Jazz snare and it's quite collectible.
This is a very high example, but if the one you are looking at is all original, it would be worth $500.00-$700.00 in my opinion.
If 3 ply,should be more..........
Max Roach Progressive Jazz snare., I think that is it. nice, I have been wanting my first Picallo snare. That would be a nice one.
What would be wild if the Grandfather ordered just that snare and bass drum for his Polka thing. ?? hey?
Hey all,
Thanks again for all your help. I snapped a quick cell phone pic of the interior of the snare. It looks to be a three ply with the silver interior. also,it is defenitly a 4x14.
Im curious though, does the silver paint mean its older or newer? and what was/is the purpose for the paint? Is it just something Gretsch started and is now known for?
