Dear VDF Gretsch people, Im sure this topic has been talked to death, but I couldn't find this info so far:
Im thinking of adding a very early Gretsch SS tom (12) to my mid 60s RB kit (13/16/20) and wondered what difference if any I can expect in sound - are the bearing edges identical? (Ive heard that later 70s SS drums made some changes from the RB classics, but that the earliest 70s are exact except for the badge.).
Help appreciated before I pull the trigger on a nice SS tom!
I just acquired an early 70s SSB kit (serial numbers put the toms at 1970 - the BD is a RB from '66). From what I can tell the shells are exactly the same as RB but the SSB toms have vent holes, where RB had the tack badge. As for the sound and function, I don't see any difference between my toms and RB toms. I'm fortunate enough to have toms that have no head fit issues and even modern heads slide right on. I've heard this is because at that point the head fit issue was solved, but I've also heard when production moved to Baldwin there was some issue with quality control. Both could be true…or false. But from what I can see, very early SSB toms are the same RB shells, just with air vents.
That said, the head fit thing may vary from kit to kit till you get into the 70s, but mine sound like RBs. Sound best tuned medium to high, but luckily they can be tuned low without wrinkles which is an issue with many RB toms.
I'm no Gretsch expert, just speaking from my experience. Good luck!
I have both early 60's RB and late 70's SSB. My experience is that with everything else being equal, the RB bearing edges reduce the stick attack compared to the 70's drums. Otherwise they both have the inherent "Great Gretsch Sound".
The Band
thanks so much Jay M and Orangemi - this seems to support my other research and helps me to pull the trigger on the 12" 70/71 tom to add to my mid - 60s 13/16/20 RB! Most info seems to suggest early 70s is the best match as a Gretsch restorer and Gretsch warranty drum smith told me up to about 73 or 74, the edges are virtually identical but then there was some changes to the SS edges. Now if ony the wrap was the same colour as the kit is green glass glitter and the 12 champagne.
I don't hear much of a difference between the two and I have owned and played a few of each. The SSB drums I had were all natural finishes (stains) so I think that in itself made them sound slightly more open. My last SSB Bop kit had a very mellow bearing edge on the toms. The bass drum and snares all had the same type of RB profile.
Just sent a PM to CanuckDrumGuy
