April 6th, 1960???

This should help you get an idea....be sure to check the round badge (or first badge) section of the article....

http://www.gretschdrums.com/?fa=historybadges

Yes - that Gretsch "Badges" link is helpful.

Paraphrased (taken right from that link - shortened here):

Around 61 - and definately by 62 - the orange & white lables were used.

They admit the serial #'s offer little clue to the date of manufacture.

However; they do say you can use the following clues for RB dates......

Four or less digits for early 60's

Five digits for mid 60's

Six digits for late 60's.

Also they explain that inside the LATE 60's shells Gretsch usually used hexegon headed screws instead of the round-headed ones.

O lugs...Its not a RB,but a SSB im told...post pics soon.

Wayne, you should be able to get a rough idea by what's stated in the link I attached. The serial numbers pretty much mean nothing, go by the guide for the SSB drums then as they changed the style of those quite often...

Thx a ton for the badge link,VERY helpful!!..My badge says "Great Gretsch Sound" so at least i know its early to mid 70,s..I think that was a good era for them regarding quality...so i,ve been toldCoffee Break2

Wayne,

Are all the serial numbers in a close range? Are the labels Orange and White with the Gretsch lifetime guaranty language? Are the model numbers in green ink or another color?

The more info you can provide, the better estimate of the time of manufacture can be made. I am one who believes there was a pretty clear method to the apparent madness of Gretsch serial numbers.

KC....Yes to your questions..I have them at home now and as i,ve stated elsewhere i was nervous buying these but now im elated....and lucky i supposeCool Dude