1965 Gretsch Drums

[Little Drummer Girl]

Trying to find out info on a set of drums that were my Fathers. I believe he bought them in 1965. Not sure where from. Looking to find out what if any identifying marks there would be on the drums that could tell me more about them. Where I can go to find out more info. Are there appraisers in the musical instrument world? Any help is greatly appreciated!

[Gyrefalcon]

The badges will be the biggest indicator. Can you upload some pictures of the drums and close-ups of the badges?

[harryconway]

You'll find lots of info. on Gretsch here: http://www.gretschdrums.com/?fa=historybadges The famous Round Badge was used from the 30's to the 70's. Sixties info is as follows, "By 1961, shortly after Gretsch's change from 3 to 6-ply shells, the internal orange/white labels started to appear. Pre-printed with That Great Gretsch Sound slogan, shell guarantee and serial number, the model numbers were usually hand-stamped in indigo or black ink at the factory. Unlike Gretsch's equally-famous guitar line, the drum serial numbers offer little clue to the actual dates of manufacture. However, here is a reasonably reliable dating-system for RB drums by serial number: four or less digits = early-'60s; five digits = mid-'60s, and six digits = late-'60s. (Late-'60s drums usually have internal hex-head shaped screws rather than the earlier round-head style.)" The Round Badge is considered, by many, to be "the holy grail" of Gretsch drums.