Hi all,
I've been lurking on this forum for a while.
Longtime drummer, but haven't had my own kit for a few years now (been playing a bit at church and that's it).
I've come across an old 60s gretsch round badge kit for sale. Sizes are 14x20, 8x12, 14x14 and a 5x14 snare. Seems in good condition from the pics, but I don't know if it's been refurbished, or anything. It would cost me about $3k (Australian dollars) with shipping. The ad has a pic of a stamped serial number (112683). From a casual google I got the impression that these kits had 5 digit serial numbers, but I don't really know more than that.
Unfortunately I may not be able to see it in person before I buy, but I know these kits have a great rep. Essentially it'll just be for my own use at home. I won't be doing any jazz gigging with it or anything, but I want a good quality kit, and I like the idea of the historical value of the round badge.
My question, then, is are these really great kits? Or are they simply really historical kits that give you a great vintage sound if that's what you're after?
I wouldn't normally buy a kit without seeing it and playing it (and if I really decide it's worth it I could drive the 8 hours to look at it). But given the circumstances I thought I'd try and canvass some opinions from people that have played them, about whether it's worth the investment.
Or am I better to spend the same money on a Sonor vintage series shell pack, for example?
I've been lurking on this forum for a while.
Longtime drummer, but haven't had my own kit for a few years now (been playing a bit at church and that's it).
I've come across an old 60s gretsch round badge kit for sale. Sizes are 14x20, 8x12, 14x14 and a 5x14 snare. Seems in good condition from the pics, but I don't know if it's been refurbished, or anything. It would cost me about $3k (Australian dollars) with shipping. The ad has a pic of a stamped serial number (112683). From a casual google I got the impression that these kits had 5 digit serial numbers, but I don't really know more than that.
Unfortunately I may not be able to see it in person before I buy, but I know these kits have a great rep. Essentially it'll just be for my own use at home. I won't be doing any jazz gigging with it or anything, but I want a good quality kit, and I like the idea of the historical value of the round badge.
My question, then, is are these really great kits? Or are they simply really historical kits that give you a great vintage sound if that's what you're after?
I wouldn't normally buy a kit without seeing it and playing it (and if I really decide it's worth it I could drive the 8 hours to look at it). But given the circumstances I thought I'd try and canvass some opinions from people that have played them, about whether it's worth the investment.
Or am I better to spend the same money on a Sonor vintage series shell pack, for example?