> Gretsch called that kit Bop and the 20,12,14 Progressive. Nowadays, most do call the 18" bass set-up Bop though.

Dan - That's why I included a disclaimer in my post, Gretsch history and models is not one of my 'long-suits.' I'll defer to you on that one. I do love the drums though and the sizes is what 'makes it' for me.

DTF - You can tune a Gretsch 13" on the high end of the range, close your eyes and you'll hear a 12". Gretsch drums are really great that way. I think because of the die-cast hoops, tuning becomes easier and the tuning range of the drum is increased. Gretsch drums sound great tuned high/jazz, or low/rock,blues etc.

John

I think you are correct. The hoops have a lot to do with the Great Gretsch Sound. Also the rather unusual approach to bearing edges, which is another thing that seems to have disappeared with teh 60's.

Anyone know if Gretsch is doing that edge again?

Dan - make that -three things- that contribute to the Gretsch sound:

1. 6-ply Jasper maple shells

2. Round-over bearing edges

3. Die-cast hoops.

That combination makes for some great, fat sounding drums.

My apology for wandering off-topic. Back to sizes! :p

John

Oh fersure fersure! Strictly a visual thing for me, the 13 looking over-sized on the 20. I have Gretsch 13 and 16 toms. Gorgeous and sound great, but selling them for my transition to being a Ludwig-only guy. I'm not allowed to own too many drums :0

Pardon the tangent...:)

Mitch

I tend to think the beauty of these postings is the tangents. You start at one point and then improvisation takes over until you have a real vintage conversation going!

Origins of the 13/16/20 BOP kit? Dave Tough asked Gretsch to build him a 20" BD because he was playing in a small group on 52nd street.

FYI

Orangemi is correct! I grew up in New York and the word about small bass drums was that they were made so that they could fit into the back of an old Marathon Checker Taxi cab!

John

Dave requested his due to the small stages in most of the cellar clubs on 52nd street

I just recently got my 14"x20" club date bass drum playable and use a 12" and 16" floor tom. I also have the matching 13" tom and 22" Bass drum if I want to go that route.

I own all flavors of bop kits:

12 14 18

12 14 20

13 16 20

Nothing wrong with 13 16 20. With the Gretsch variety tune them up high and they are close to a 12 14 20 setup (same bass drum anyway). The 13 16 will bring the thunder though that a 12 14 wont. This comes from many many gigs in all sorts of settings.

My .02....

Manny