THE FIFTH GRETSCH BADGE
By late-1980, the fifth Gretsch badge was unveiled: Stop-Sign Badge #3. It features the same slogan as SSB#2, but has what is commonly referred to as the "drop-G" logo. It could also be called the '80s Stop-Sign, as it's the only such-shaped Gretsch badge from the decade. Like the two previous stop-sign badges, it says U.S.A. to the right of the vent hole. This is the most commonly misdated badge in the Gretsch timeline; due to its '70sshape, many think of it as '70s-era. Closely following this badge change was the new internal label, which is grey/white. The label's left side has the famous Gretsch drum logo with slogan below. The right side features a model number handwritten in black felt-tip pen; below it, a serial number stamped in large characters.
There's an interesting foot note relative to SSB#3's short tenure. By 1977, Gretsch offered 6, 8 and 10-inch toms for the first time. These sizes were respectively outfitted with generic triple-flanged 6"/4-hole, 8"/4-hole and 10"/6- hole rims through 1980 and are commonly referred to as "pre-die-cast" drums. By '81, Baldwin had realized the obvious: the trend for multi-tom sets wasn't going away anytime soon and they had to bite the bullet. Expensive tooling was created to make the necessary die-cast rims needed for these small sizes, thereby making the overall appearance and function of Gretsch multitom sets more uniform. As die-cast 6"/4-hole, 8"/5-hole and 10"/5-hole rims became available; it suddenly becomes clear why either rim can be found on a "drop-G" badge drum. Unfortunately, Gretsch die-cast rims are not compatible with their older 8 and 10- inch toms, as they possess different lug configurations --d'oh!
