gretsch rb kit makeover

hey joe · Not So Newbie Joined: 15 Apr 2007 Posts: 6

im reaching out for some advice and or opinions.

im redoing a 60s gretsch rb kit.22,12,16.
all original parts,chrome is all very good.
i only need to replace the die cast rims on the toms,
and replace the flared tom legs.
i found the replacement tom legs at JP2 creations.

first off,im torn between a natural maple finish,ala charlie watts,
or a midnight blue pearl covering.

then im undecided whether to keep the kit with all original hardware,which includes,the rail,original bass spurs,and diamond plates,with replacement 3/8 inch flared legs.

or plug up the rail holes,going instead with a snare stand,for the tom.
and install the telescoping spurs,and 12.7mm tom legs and holders,currently used on usa customs.

cost is not a concern,since price between choices is minimal.
im more concerned with ease of playing.then the look of the kit,and the choices that will give me a stronger resale value,if and when i decide to sell off the kit.

any help?

Rhythm_Dog · Not So Newbie Joined: 04 Apr 2007 Posts: 5

To get the best 'playability' I would use a separate tom stand, as it would give more placement options and strength over the rail mount. You could leave the rail mount on the bass drum or remove it and put some small round head carriage bolts in the holes. I would not plug the shell or drill or alter any additional holes for other spurs if the shell has not been tampered with before. If the shells were not originally wrapped I would go for the Natural Maple (nothing looks sweeter than a lacquer finish Gretsch), if not rewrap them as it would save a lot of extra sanding and finishing work. The kit will retain more resale if no mods are done. This will be a great kit either way. Good luck.

hey joe · Not So Newbie Joined: 15 Apr 2007 Posts: 6

rhythm dog

thanks for your input.
these shells were originally covered.
they have no extra holes in any of the shells.
if i eliminate the rail,id like to plug the holes.
they could easily be drilled out if there was a need for the rail in the future.

im leaning toward the natural maple as my first choice.i like the look,and sometimes gretsch heads can be tight going over the shell covering.my only concern is when the shells are stripped of the glue residue,and sanded,will they be decent candidates for a refinish,and more importantly will the finished color be uniform.

i wont be doing the work,so im not concerned about the steps.im gonna have someone do it,and there is little differance in the price i was quoted for a rewrap or a refinish.the guy doing the refinish suggested urethane,or polyester,as an option to lacquer.any thoughts on that?

joe

Rhythm_Dog · Not So Newbie Joined: 04 Apr 2007 Posts: 5

If they didn't get moisture trapped under the wrap they should be o.k. I don't know if there was a different selection process between lacquer or wrapped shells as far as surface blemishes, etc. with Gretsch. I've seen vintage Slingerland shells with some pretty weird grain structure, wood color differences, etc. hiding under their factory wraps. The polyurethane would be a lot more durable in the long run and visually undetectable from the original type nitro-cellulose lacquer. My '80's Square Badge kit is showing alot of checking and stress cracks in the original lacquer finish.