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USA, Vintage Gretsch Last viewed: 3 hours ago

Posts: 14 Threads: 3

Ever since seeing Elvin Jones and Tony Williams playing Gretsch drums I have been interested in getting a set.

I recently purchased a 5 piece Catalina Maple set that is a mid range set, selling at close to $700. My main reason for buying is that I wanted a set just for practice. Now I feel like upgrading or looking for a vintage Gretsch set to play on gigs.

I have a 2012 Ludwig Classic Maple jazz set and a 1969 Rogers set. I think with the Gretsch set I might be done buying drums forever, unless I come across a vintage Slingerland set later on. My goal was to have a decent set from the major drum manufacturers that were around when I started drumming in 1965.

Is it conceivable that I could find a decent Gretsch USA vintage set that will not set me back too much money? I do want to trade in (or sell) the Catalina's if I should find something. The crazy 18x22" Catalina bass drum will not even fit in the back seat of my car. This in itself has turned me off. I have to place it next to me in the front seat. And the Catalinas are very lightweight which leads me to believe that the maple shells are much thinner than the Ludwig's and Rogers that were much more expensive.

All I want is a Gretsch rock set with a standard size bass drum. The Catalinas also aren't available in the pearl or sparkle shades that I really like. The Cats have served their purpose and I want to move ahead.

Can anyone give me an idea of price for a vintage Gretsch set? I hope to get $600 for the Catalina's. I don't mind so much if the vintage drums are a bit worn out as long as they sound great and don't have any extra holes in them.

If the answer is $3,000 with the old drums as a trade, I guess I will have to wait another year or two so I can start saving my money. Being retired, I don't have a steady income now and will have to rely on some drumming gigs.

Posted on 11 years ago
#1
Posts: 1362 Threads: 229

I would call Steve Maxwell. I can't think of anyone better to fill your Gretsch need. He recently had a stop sign badge kit that had the same shells as a late 70's kit for just $1k!

Sonor SQ2 10 14 18 American Walnut
L.A. Camco 12 14 18 Moss Green
Gretsch Round Badge 12 14 18 w/snare Champagne
Gretsch Round Badge 12 14 20 w/snare Burgundy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhdcpleTKlI

82nd ABN DIV OEF OIF Combat Infantry Veteran
Posted on 11 years ago
#2
Posts: 264 Threads: 55

I have a 1958 Gretsch in a very rare Anniversary Sparkle I am planning on selling. 22", 13", 16".

1962 Slingerland Studio King Blue Glass Glitter
1967 Ludwig Super Classic Psych Red FOR SALE
1972 Ludwig Hollywood 3 ply WMP
1970 Rogers Holiday 22"/12"/13"/16"/18"
Posted on 11 years ago
#3
Posts: 2010 Threads: 19

SSB (Stop Sign Badged sets from approximately 1970-1980) tend to sell for less than the earlier Round badge sets. These were basically the same drums with a different badge. There were a few quality control issues when production first moved to Arkansas (around 1970) but for the most part these drums were built as well as their earlier brethren. That and some less than stellar tom mounting hardware push the prices down. Find a set from that era with a couple of extra holes and you can probably get a bargain.

The modern USA Customs are the current versions of the classic Gretsch "recipe" and sometimes those sets pop up at reasonable prices.

Posted on 11 years ago
#4
Posts: 1163 Threads: 36

From K.O.

SSB (Stop Sign Badged sets from approximately 1970-1980) tend to sell for less than the earlier Round badge sets. These were basically the same drums with a different badge. There were a few quality control issues when production first moved to Arkansas (around 1970) but for the most part these drums were built as well as their earlier brethren. That and some less than stellar tom mounting hardware push the prices down. Find a set from that era with a couple of extra holes and you can probably get a bargain.The modern USA Customs are the current versions of the classic Gretsch "recipe" and sometimes those sets pop up at reasonable prices.

We've discussed this on the forum before, but my 70"s SS Gretsch has "less than stellar" ball socket tom mounts, but apart from looking a bit clunky does not effect the sound and yes made the kit cheaper. It is a well balanced kit, and although not a loud kit it's has a wonderful tone.

40's Slingerland Radio King WMP
60's Ludwig Downbeat Silver Spark
70's Ludwig Super Classic White Marine
60's Gretsch RB Champaigne Spark
70's Rogers Big R Black
90's Sonor Hilite (Red maple)
00's DW Collectors Broken Glass
00's DW Jazz Series Tangerine Glass
10's DW Collectors (Acrylic) Matt Black Wrap
10's PDP Concept Wood Hoop kit (Maple)
Proud ambassador of the British Drum Company
Posted on 11 years ago
#5
Posts: 14 Threads: 3

Supply and demand is weird. If there were an unlimited amount of vintage sets the prices would most likely be comparable to the medium priced American made drums of today. If only I knew this in 1965 when I sold my beat up 1940's Ludwig set for $75.00. And two years ago I sold a 1970 Ludwig Hollywood set for $300.00. They were very discolored and beat up, but the guy who restored them may have listed them at $1.200.00 for all I know. Maybe my calling is in drum restoration.

* I sent Steve Maxwell an email at the NYC store. Not sure he will want my Catalina's as a trade. Since they are only a few months old maybe I can get close to what I spent for them if I advertise on Craigslist. Driving my drums to Manhatten from Baltimore will not be a picnic with the bass drum in the front seat.

Posted on 11 years ago
#6
Posts: 298 Threads: 39

unfortunately I don't think anyone will take your Catalina kit in a trade....and knowing Steve pretty well I'm pretty positive he will have zero interest in it

Steves cell - 630 865 6849

he will indeed have what you need

if you are a serious buyer he will be glad to hear from you

Posted on 11 years ago
#7
Posts: 14 Threads: 3

You were so right. No interest at all in the Catalina set. Steve has a few decent sets but none have a snare drum. I saw sets at about $1,500.00 but without snare. The snare will probably raise the price another $500. I plan to keep looking and when ready will sell the Catalina's on Craigslist. I can be a serious buyer when I have the money. With a new house and a mortgage the drums will have to wait a few years. Any money I earn playing music will go into the drum fund.

Posted on 11 years ago
#8
Posts: 1362 Threads: 229

I picked up a round badge kit today with a snare, cymbals and all original hardware. It will need to be cleaned up but it might fit your bill. Sizes are 13,16,20.

Sonor SQ2 10 14 18 American Walnut
L.A. Camco 12 14 18 Moss Green
Gretsch Round Badge 12 14 18 w/snare Champagne
Gretsch Round Badge 12 14 20 w/snare Burgundy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhdcpleTKlI

82nd ABN DIV OEF OIF Combat Infantry Veteran
Posted on 11 years ago
#9
Posts: 146 Threads: 41

What sizes do you want?

Posted on 11 years ago
#10
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