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Would appreciate thoughts on a vintage Gretsch piccolo Last viewed: 4 hours ago

Posts: 966 Threads: 213

This beautiful Gretsch piccolo is for sale near me, asking $500. It's tough to tell, but I think it's a two ply shell. Very thin, no re-rings. The heads and wires are modern, but the rest of the drum looks like it is complete/original. There is some glue residue (shown) that appears to have once held a badge. Within the dried glue, you can read the word Gretsch in block letters. The hoops appear to be aluminum. I'm not in the $500 snare-club yet, so I'd like some thoughts on the originality and value, since I can't seem to find anything quite like it for comparison.

Thanks

Jim

...
'68 Ludwig Ruby Red Strata
'68 Ludwig Mod Orange
'58 Gretsch Starlight Sparkle
'69 Ludwig Clubdate BDP
'60s Ludwig Clubdate Black Lacquer / Nickel
'67 Trixon Speedfire Red
COB Ludwig Supra
Many projects
Bunch o snares
Posted on 13 years ago
#1
Posts: 2444 Threads: 288

Anybody at the GC it's for sale at know what it is? If it's not all there (missing badge?) the price IMHO isn't worth it.

Its better to have people think you're an idiot, than to open your mouth and prove them wrong, unless you doubt yourself then speak away....
Posted on 13 years ago
#2
Posts: 747 Threads: 37

This snare seems to be a "Gretsch American",c.1920-30's. w/ a Duplex strainer. The thin shell is probably 3 ply. The snare is historically interesting, but it was a time before Gretsch had established it's reputation for great drums. The hoop is probably nickel over brass ? ( Does the size & font of your badge remnant look anything like this ?. pic)

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Posted on 13 years ago
#3
Posts: 966 Threads: 213

From tdennis

This snare seems to be a "Gretsch American",c.1920-30's. w/ a Duplex strainer. The thin shell is probably 3 ply. The snare is historically interesting, but it was a time before Gretsch had established it's reputation for great drums. The hoop is probably nickel over brass ? ( Does the size & font of your badge remnant look anything like this ?. pic)

Yes, the block lettering looks just like your photo (in dried glue).

Thanks. I bought two other snares tonight, so I doubt I will chase this one down, unless I can sell something quickly. The price is well beyond what I typically spend on a single drum. Tough to pull the trigger.

jim

...
'68 Ludwig Ruby Red Strata
'68 Ludwig Mod Orange
'58 Gretsch Starlight Sparkle
'69 Ludwig Clubdate BDP
'60s Ludwig Clubdate Black Lacquer / Nickel
'67 Trixon Speedfire Red
COB Ludwig Supra
Many projects
Bunch o snares
Posted on 13 years ago
#4
Posts: 747 Threads: 37

The seller may have thought he had an early Max Roach piccolo ?? (I doubt this snare could command anything near $500).

Posted on 13 years ago
#5
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