Gary, make sure he sends the full refund. Ebay will not charge him a fee if the transaction is cancelled and both parties agree.

Thanks for the reply.

I've got it boxed for shipping today.

The research I've done says Gretsch did their big switch from 3 to 6ply in 58 and added silver sealer around that time - and tags in 1962. Having said that there could be exceptions. My kit was bought new in 1960 - 4pc - all drums are 3ply except the floor tom = 6ply. Gretsch was making 6ply (from the information in the Gretsch book) in the mid 50's so I'm thinking the transition did not happen over night. They had a mix of the shells in the late 50's early 60's and pulled together orders from what was available = mixed ply kits at that time.

It's not easy finding 3ply Gretsch shells - they're out there but it's a slow process finding them.

I contacted a shell builder - the fellow that built my Gretsch/Gladstone - he's going to build me a shell exactly like the 3ply Gretsch made back in the day. The funny thing is it's only going to cost me about the same as I have invested (before refund) in the 6ply I'm sending back - minus the badge.

I was looking for a 6.5x14 3ply shell and could not find one so I bought the one on eBay here just because it was there. Mr. Tillman is going to build me my 6.5x14 3ply. He will do Maple/Poplar/Maple or Maple/Gumwood/Maple....whatever I want. Gretsch used both in their three ply from what I've read.

On the other side of the coin, I just won a pair of cymbals and a snare drum from a seller that didnt post pics but I gambled anyway and now the seller doesnt want to ship them to me because he feels like he didnt get enough for them. I have had good luck as both a buyer and seller on Ebay, but their customer service when you have a problem is horrid. Good luck with your refund and your new drum.

Sorry to hear about the bad luck here. But in my case the money has already been put back on my CC and the seller it turns out is not a bad guy - just some miscommunication. I was lucky I guess but I'm still out about $65 in the end. It looks like I can fill a Customs form out and get a refund for the Tax I paid at the boarder. Makes sense, because I didn't buy the item I was charged tax for I returned it....just like you do when you bring something back to Costco for instance.

That Cymbal/snare thing of yours....he is refunding your money though - right??

To me, the listing doesn't look good from the start.

Doesn't appear to be intentional on the seller's part, but it appears inept, in the photos, and the description.

In the communication, it's apparent that the seller knows little about drums.

The photos you posted are much better, and an example of what the seller should have provided.

Also, I am mystified as to why the seller would take the time to disassemble the drum, and sell the parts piece-meal.

In my opinion, it's a good learning experience for both of you; I think neither can take all the blame.

I think I would have just kept the drum, and not waste time packing and shipping, applying for refund, etc.