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Gretsch Bearing Edges! How many profiles Last viewed: 11 hours ago

Posts: 51 Threads: 27

I assume your the guys to ask this.

So, I just bought another set of gretsch drums that also appear to not be

quite a complete kit.

As I take the heads off I am noticing quite an array of edge profiles across

the board.

So in my possession currently I have:

60's 8x12 - edge is reverse 30* (cut from outside, typical as I've seen)

70's 9x13 - Same edge

60's 14x20 with 30* ( cut from inside the shell) with a slight back cut (

kinda sharp)

late 70's T-Roof 14x24 with 30* (cut from inside the shell with a slight

back cut (dull)

Late 70's T-Roof 16x18 with a real rounded double cut (I mean real rounded

over from both sides)

9x13 T-roof badge Silver and black interior tag (badge is not correct) with

30* cut from inside

12x14 1981 badge silver and black interior tag with 30* cut from inside

Did they really do this many different edges?

Paul.

Posted on 11 years ago
#1
Posts: 9005 Threads: 266

If you have several Gretsch drums from different eras, that show different edge profiles, then the answer to your question is, yes!

The evidence for multiple edge profiles is right in front of you. It's a case of; are you going to believe what we tell you, or your lying eyes?

I'm surprised to find out that Gretsch apparently switched the edges it was using at some point. If you'd be kind enough to post a few good photos, I'd like to see the different ones myself.

John

Too many great drums to list here!

http://www.walbergandauge.com/VintageVenue.htm
Posted on 11 years ago
#2
Posts: 554 Threads: 31

That's only half of the story! Their round-over cut has several variations too.

Posted on 11 years ago
#3
Posts: 9005 Threads: 266

From Rik_Everglade

That's only half of the story! Their round-over cut has several variations too.

Rik - My RB's are from the late 50's, they were made at the old Brooklyn plant. Do you know if these edge variations existed that far back in the company history? I'd like to think that my tubs have the same edges that all the great drummers who played Gretsch drums (my drum hero's as I was growing up) back in the day had on their drums. My tubs have the big outside round-over that I have seen on Gretsch drums from the 50's/60's. Did the edge profiles vary even then?

John

Too many great drums to list here!

http://www.walbergandauge.com/VintageVenue.htm
Posted on 11 years ago
#4
Posts: 554 Threads: 31

Yes, in fact they did vary. Somebody explained that it may have been the router bit wearing, causing a flatter profile to the bearing edge, so this would not be an intentional difference in bearing edges, but I have two 50's Gretsch toms that have a very flat profile, factory. They are not flat, just more flat than round-over. I consider this entirely plausible considering; the factory atmosphere, the number of drums routed, and a worker unmotivated to contort himself under the table to replace the bit periodically. If you have a nice round over, great. Mine are not nice round overs, but they are factory. I've considered making them correct, and since mine is a players kit, I probably should go ahead and do it but I am pleased with the sound as is.

Posted on 11 years ago
#5
Posts: 51 Threads: 27

Here we go so far 3 drums to go. Plus I could add a friends SSB kit later.

RB 8x12

[IMG]http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f215/heisnoelvis/1381620021_zps8b4aac4b.jpg[/IMG]

SSB 9x13

[IMG]http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f215/heisnoelvis/1381620024_zps275492fe.jpg[/IMG]

RB 14x22

[IMG]http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f215/heisnoelvis/1381620032_zps11e2b523.jpg[/IMG]

SSB 9x13 grey interior tag

[IMG]http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f215/heisnoelvis/1381620034_zpsf2b0316e.jpg[/IMG]

Posted on 11 years ago
#6
Posts: 51 Threads: 27

Here are the rest. I will take pictures of my friends copper wrap SSB kit as soon as I get a chance.

SSB 1981 drop G 12x14 grey interior tag

[IMG]http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f215/heisnoelvis/1381689558_zps280e3aec.jpg[/IMG]

SSB T-Roof 16x18

[IMG]http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f215/heisnoelvis/1381689563_zps30fa6a33.jpg[/IMG]

SSB (missing actual badge) 14x24 cut interior tag

[IMG]http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f215/heisnoelvis/1381689571_zpscac377c6.jpg[/IMG]

This drum makes me think its a recover. It had rosewood lacquer hoops. But if it is a recover the seams are damn tight like it was done on a professional rolling machine.

Posted on 11 years ago
#7
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