I think if you are using correct era parts than go for it. Or, you can sell those to a purist and get something with hardware attached.

I'm siding with the "Don't do it!" crowd on this one. If it were a newer drum and not a RB Gretsch, then I might entertain the idea because I also like the old-school look of a rail mount.

That said, I HAD to go to a RIMS mount on one of my Kent toms because the rail/L bracket mount which was original was choking the tom to death. Even a snare stand wasn't allowing the drum to resonate the way it *could* - The RIMS mount solved the problem and while it may not look as nice, it allowed me to get the sound I wanted and to keep the drums in their original state. If I decide to sell later on, I can always put the bits back on the drums and return it to it's original, if somewhat choked glory.

You may not consider yourself a collector, but you should always keep resale value in mind when thinking of modifying a drum, especially a RB Gretsch kick.

Just my $0.02.

everyones input has been most appreciated.

thanks.

Would a virgin bass drum of equal condition and age fetch more money when selling than a bass drum with all the trimmings?

You can find shells full of holes every day but you can,t find virgin shells every day unless you want to pay$$$$. So I guess that answers your question. Don,t drill the shell you will glad if you didn,t trust me.

I vote no.

I believe the originality to be the factor that trumps all the possible options in this scenario -as far as the value of the drum is concerned.

But, if you're not "invested" in it, then playability factor is up to you to decide.

2 cents

I say leave it alone as well. There are some great vintage external bass drum mufflers and hoop mount cymbal holders that will add the bling.

I guess it all depends on what style of drumming you do as well. If you need the kit to fit a certain drummer or style of music, then altering your instrument in a period correct way is cool with me.

David

thanks everyone for your opinions, each one was valuable to me.

at this point I am going todo nothing.

anybody want to buy a nice rail consolette?

thanks

I am very happy you are leaving the kit factory, gretsch and leedy collectors +players are the two most anal about 100% original condition and also know their drums, you would of devalued the kit by 30% by adding non original equipment, I am very happy with your decision,Cool1Yes Sir

Good call on leaving it alone.

How often do you see a virgin RB bass drum? Not often. How often do you see a RB bass drum that someone modded and think to yourself "What the heck were they thinking?"

Often.

You will be glad you kept it as is later on. If not for your resale then for your kids resale!

-Adam

I think so, based on availability - there's not many virgin bass drums so they're worth more. Like convertible cars.

I understand the opinions about why you shouldn't drill the drum. If you ever think you'll want to sell it then you might want to reconsider. My opinion to add the tom mount is based largely on the fact that I tend to keep what buy, I rarely sell anything. I have my Mastro snare from 1968! So from my perspective the resale value doesn't matter.