Just Got a New Gretsch RB Kit

[chetatkinsdiet]

Had to post. Just got a new gretsch kit this weekend. It's a mid 60s RB kit in 13/16/22 with matching micro-sensitive snare. Color is Black Diamond Pearl. All original, great shape...killer looking kit.
I think it's going to give my Roders drums a run for their money for the best sounding kick drum in the room. I'm still playing with the heads and tuning and such. Love them so far through. Not too crazy about the snare...never have liked their snares. But it's cool..just not me.
I'll try to get some pics tomorrow.

later,

m

[Jax]

Congrats! The RB's are some of best. Bring on the pics!

[chetatkinsdiet]

Here's a pic....




here's another of the snare....

[CrazyBeast]

Nice looking kit.

I just picked up a similar era RB kit, couple pieces are Ludwig and not all are in very good condition, but $250 (including about 10 cymbals and all stands!!)

Love the sound of those things. What would be some other complimentary pieces to pick up? I'm not a drummer but have decided I much prefer the sound of these older kits than other more modern sounding drums that I have, and that most people bring in...

Thanks!

[chetatkinsdiet]

give me some more details on exactly what you've got and I'll be glad to help you with some ideas to fill it out a bit.


m

[Jax]

It's frikkin' beautiful! Congrats again!

I love the exaggerated (blown up bigger) black diamond pearl finish (or wrap, whatever the case may be). Looks totally cool.

[chetatkinsdiet]

Thanks...I gotta admit, I'm still a Rogers guy at heart, but damn if this gretsch kit doesn't sound pretty darn good.

m

[CrazyBeast]

Missed this. Thanks for the offer.

- I have a complete modern Yamaha kit. Don't remember exact details, but sounds modern, tight.

- This new (old) kit is a 4 piece Gretsch RB, with an extra 68 ludwig rack tom.

- I also have a late 60's Ludwig snare - sparkle finish.

- Lots of various cymbals.

So, my main thing is I'm interested in another snare(s) and possibly a kick, that could complement what I have. The Gretsch is nice and big, open. The Ludwig is nice for rock, pretty bright. The Yamaha is OK, pretty modern and normal sounding. I've headed and tuned these snares differently for options...

I've been digging the latest Spoon record lately and the snare sound on it (and even when they played live on SNL). I know that is a combination of snare/player/room/wallet or t-shirt/Neve, etc. Deep, smack, with very little ring, and short decay.

I'm thinking maybe an old Slingerland radio king or Rogers?

Thanks for any responses! Cheers.

Originally Posted by chetatkinsdiet

give me some more details on exactly what you've got and I'll be glad to help you with some ideas to fill it out a bit.


m

[chetatkinsdiet]

Sounds like you've definitely got some nice stuff there. With the kit being primarily a Gretsch, I'd look for a kick that does something different. If you went with a Rogers or Ludwig kick, both of them have reinforcement rings which are going to be a little different sound. Not to say that they're both similar, but they're just both definitely different than the Gretsch you have now. If it were me, I'd probably go Ludwig as the Rogers shell is possibly going to be a Jasper, like the Gretsch. You should easily be able to find a single Ludwig kick as there are tons out there if you're not picky on the color of the wrap.

As for the snare...since you already have a wooden snare, I'd definitely get a Ludwig Supra. Every studio should have one. It's that classic sound that you've heard on so many records. There are always a ton on ebay. Right now, there's one that's got a lot of surface flaking for about $110 BIN. Such a deal if I didn't already have 4 or so of them. Other choices might be a Rogers Powertone, but really, it's very, very similar to the Supra. It does have a chrome over brass shell which gives it that brass sound, but still, fairly close to the Supra. The dynasonics are nice, but most that are sold on ebay are missing the parts. It's got a special snare system that only works properly if all the parts are there. It's easy enough to get all the parts, but sometimes, you'll spend $200 on the drum and another $100 or so to get the snare parts.

I've got a lot of different vintage snares....25 or so...and typically always use one of my Supra/Black Beauty drums. For the studio, the 5" drum works well and for loud rock gigs, I do love my 6.5" supra.

Oh, the radio kings are nice snares, but they can be expensive. There are a lot of drums advertised as radio kings that aren't really. Over the years, Slingerland has abused that name and sold a lot of drums that don't really comply with my definition of what a real Radio King should be. To me, it's a single ply maple shell with 8 or more lugs. Sling offered a Radio King Student model which was a 3 ply drum. You'll see them a lot on ebay. While it's an ok drum, it's not a "real" radio king in my book.

A great snare from Rogers is their very famous and expensive wooden dynasonic. The going rate for them is in the $1500-3000 range depending on color, condition, etc. In other words, way too expensive. They are great, but not for actual playing. If you're just collecting, get one. Don't put a $3K snare in your studio for every idiot to play with.

Later,

m

[chrisso]

Yes, a 6.5" Ludalloy Supra and/or a deep (6.5 - 8") vintage Radio King would compliment your set up.
Other ideas, Leedy Broadway, or a modern Craviotto wood shell (he also offers vintage edges, which will give you that slightly older sound).
I once played a very standard ply, WFL snare that was pretty nice.
The Supra would be the cheapest option for you I think.

[pan60]

i am so jealous:(
but i must say congrats!:)

[absrec]

Great looking kit!

I just picked up a 70's stop sign badge kit on evilbay last week. Talk about thunder! Gretsch drums are the best IMO. It's a 12/13/16/24, all shallow sizes. And I'm not really a drummer. This gear thing is starting to get out of hand!

Congrat on your purchase/find. Not trying to hijack your thread or anything. I was kind of wondering what the big differences are between the SSB and the RB kits. I've never heard a RB.

-Aaron

[RoundBadge]

Nice!!

[CrazyBeast]

Thank you!! Excellent info since I myself am not a drummer... I will look into all of the above

I suppose you just drove the prices on Ebay up $100 though.. the one you mentioned doesn't seem to be listed any more :)

Regards
Ben

Originally Posted by chetatkinsdiet

Sounds like you've definitely got some nice stuff there. With the kit being primarily a Gretsch, I'd look for a kick that does something different. If you went with a Rogers or Ludwig kick, both of them have reinforcement rings which are going to be a little different sound. Not to say that they're both similar, but they're just both definitely different than the Gretsch you have now. If it were me, I'd probably go Ludwig as the Rogers shell is possibly going to be a Jasper, like the Gretsch. You should easily be able to find a single Ludwig kick as there are tons out there if you're not picky on the color of the wrap.

As for the snare...since you already have a wooden snare, I'd definitely get a Ludwig Supra. Every studio should have one. It's that classic sound that you've heard on so many records. There are always a ton on ebay. Right now, there's one that's got a lot of surface flaking for about $110 BIN. Such a deal if I didn't already have 4 or so of them. Other choices might be a Rogers Powertone, but really, it's very, very similar to the Supra. It does have a chrome over brass shell which gives it that brass sound, but still, fairly close to the Supra. The dynasonics are nice, but most that are sold on ebay are missing the parts. It's got a special snare system that only works properly if all the parts are there. It's easy enough to get all the parts, but sometimes, you'll spend $200 on the drum and another $100 or so to get the snare parts.

I've got a lot of different vintage snares....25 or so...and typically always use one of my Supra/Black Beauty drums. For the studio, the 5" drum works well and for loud rock gigs, I do love my 6.5" supra.

Oh, the radio kings are nice snares, but they can be expensive. There are a lot of drums advertised as radio kings that aren't really. Over the years, Slingerland has abused that name and sold a lot of drums that don't really comply with my definition of what a real Radio King should be. To me, it's a single ply maple shell with 8 or more lugs. Sling offered a Radio King Student model which was a 3 ply drum. You'll see them a lot on ebay. While it's an ok drum, it's not a "real" radio king in my book.

A great snare from Rogers is their very famous and expensive wooden dynasonic. The going rate for them is in the $1500-3000 range depending on color, condition, etc. In other words, way too expensive. They are great, but not for actual playing. If you're just collecting, get one. Don't put a $3K snare in your studio for every idiot to play with.

Later,

m

[chrisso]

Originally Posted by absrec

I was kind of wondering what the big differences are between the SSB and the RB kits.

The RB kits sound a bit more vintage IMO. The SSB can sound vintage AND contemporary. They are more versatile in my opinion and a classic studio choice. You did great and I love those sizes for recording.
Both classic and beautifully put together kits, but if I had to choose one or other for the studio, I'd choose Stop Sign.