Thanks! Will give it a read.

There's a lot of fuss about middle aged Gretsch kits. I have a set with the ball and socket system from around 79-80 and they sound freaking lovely. Not loud, but warm and round.

I have the last of the stop sign badges, the drop G badge. Mine is equipped with the Techware legs, and mounts. It also has tone control top and bottom on the toms. Also the integrated bass drum muffle.

The shell construction is the same, the sound is awesome.

I have a 20/14/12 kit from 1979 as well as RBs. The '79 kit sounds more like I imagine a Gretsch set should!

The biggest problem with the kit in question is that it's a rewrap and it's done in a color that Gretsch never offered so that is a sort of double hit. I'm sure they sound great though.

The metal BD hoops seem to have gone back to wood by the mid 70's. I have a Tangerine SSB with the metal hoops. Tangerine didn't last too long into the 70's so it is an earlier SSB drum.

I bought my Stop Sign kit in Mannys, NYC in 1971, and have had it ever since. it was lacquered walnut and the BD hoops were wooden with a black nitron insert. the TT holder is a 4 bolt rail consollette.

I tried to restore them to their original glory, but sadly, they were too far gone to refinish without damaging the outer ply, so I handed them over to a professional in 2013, who identified them as a 'transition' kit with 6 ply RB shells, possibly left over from the factory move or the big fire which Gretsch had around that time.

Not my first choice, but they look great with the black wrap - I'm happy with them! Story here ...

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