Restoring A 1980's Gretsch Stop Sign Badge Drum Set // "Drop G" Edition

[@LouMontulli1]

"I try to only collect instruments I actually plan on using". I love that quote, I keep saying that to myself as I buy more snare drums, but they do pile up after a while. I wish snares were not so darn beautiful... :)

[@malonedrum]

It can change over time too. Collection grows, and eventually pieces leave too.

[@1thess523]

I have 4 snare's and and 3 full kits but I do have extra toms I switch out. I'm just a garage player but I make sure to rotate my snare's every 1 to 2 weeks. The kits stay up a little longer

[@malonedrum]

@@1thess523 It's ok the be a collector too, especially if you play and use them. I just don't like the attitude of owning 12 acolytes because they are each from a different year, and just keeping them on a shelf. That said, I own two acrolites

[@Six3rdy]

Agreed. Every instrument in my arsenal has to have a purpose for being there.

[@jeffreyalexander7504]

the most important thing about this drumset? The Walnut finish. Iconic.

[@malonedrum]

You know it! I've been looking to add more to it lately, so we'll see if this becomes the start of something bigger.

[@leandrosinco]

I wish I had a dad with a shop like that!

[@malonedrum]

Well they just moved, so now it's back to a garage shop....

[@miguelhernandez3618]

Hi. Let me share my story. Around 2008 I was at Maxwell s drum shop visiting the place for the first time (I am from argentina) and I fell in love with what it was bassically your kit: same sizes, finish, monunting, etc only a few years older (sq badge late 70's). I was allowed to play it quite a lot and I instantly knew It was the sound I was looking for all my life. They were not on sale and anyways I was told the price would have been about 3 grand. But for the next 10 years I searched for this kit, knowing very well chances to get exactly that were very limited. Until 2018 I found it.... in the suburbs of Paris ( perfect timing, just moved to france a few moths before that). The previous owner was not a drummer (so not much idea about the value), and was using it as a kind of marching drum for a performance, so all the bottom hardware was missing. I visited the guy and to my big surprise he actually had all the missig hardware in a bag, all of them. He also had a black 14 x 6 1/2 grestch snare and a set of paiste 2002 black label from the period. I bought the lot for 950 euros (that was around 1100 dollars) then a few weeks later I sold the snare and the cymbals for a grand. So basically I got my dream kit for free. It has scratches, some pitting and a not original tom mount, but I wouldn't change a thing. I've been playing for 30 years and this is the one I will be buried with. Thanks for your great video and tasteful playing, it was like listening to my drums. All the best

[@malonedrum]

Fun story, glad you got your kit!

[@MP-ju4ol]

Mike, a joy to watch you work these vintage drums back to their proper standard. I’ve learned so much, and enjoyed your love for history and perfection.

[@malonedrum]

Many thanks!

[@pfmdude]

Fantastic as always. Never get tired of seeing your love and dedication for Gretsch drums. Keep up up!

[@malonedrum]

I've got my type.

[@elithepitbulldog2209]

I have the same kit but from 1980. 18x14 kick, 12 and 15 Tom. That’s right, a rare 15” floor Tom. And yes, these drums tune down beautifully.

[@malonedrum]

Send them over to me bud!

[@DrummerDanVa]

I had a late 70s Gretsch kit in that finish. It did have straight spurs that didn't work that well that I replaced a few years ago with Pearl spurs similar to the ones you had. It also originally had a Slingerland single tom mount which is how I got it new originally. I am more into making a drum kit playable rather than keeping it original.

[@malonedrum]

I couldn't agree more!

[@bassplate]

The touch-up job you did around the edge of the rack tom plug turned out great! It did make a real difference.

[@malonedrum]

Thanks!

[@LowOhana]

I just loved the whole video! From restoration to demo. I have just a Gretsch Kit and a Ludwig Kit now I’m going to go look for a Vintage Gretsch kit to add to my collection. Also I love your workshop/studio it’s so awesome! Thank you sir for this Video! I loved it!

[@malonedrum]

Good luck on your hunt!

[@MrT-st5vs]

Re: Gretsch internal mufflers. I've worked with them & put them on a kit I've made also. I can say with all certainty, adding small soft rubber washers between the inter bracket & shell, and between the screw head & outer shell allows the muffler to ride with the head and allows the shell to resonate more. Well done and enjoyed the video. Best wishes.

[@malonedrum]

Good tip, working on expanding on this kit at the moment.

[@tomkelsey2303]

Beautiful! And love how you improved the kit with modern Gretsch hardware.

[@malonedrum]

Thank you very much!

[@gregwonhoff7161]

Mike, greetings from Washington state, home of the Seahawks, it is so much fun watching you doing a project, as your extensive drum knowledge as well as your keen woodworking skills shine. Judging from the number of views this project received , it is easy to see that your other followers agree. Thank you so very much for taking your valuable time sharing these wonderful tutorials with all of us.

[@malonedrum]

Thanks to all the 12s who watch my videos. #GoHawks

[@jppavon9504]

Wow nice job! They look and sound beautiful!🥁

[@malonedrum]

Thanks!

[@nannernator]

NOW we're talking! one of my favorite era Gretsch's. I have same finish but in bigger sizes. What an amazing job you did. Love the shout out also. Touche'!

[@malonedrum]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@taylorjones2553]

You got this beautiful kit for a great price. Well played. Love your videos.

[@malonedrum]

Thanks for watching.

[@dandillon2010]

That’s an absolutely gorgeous set of drums! Thank you or sharing your restoration knowledge. That’s going to be helpful to me. I look forward to checking out your other videos!! Thank!!!

[@malonedrum]

Thanks!

[@craigjohnchronicles2504]

that high tuning... Love this vintage kit....

[@malonedrum]

Agreed!

[@LogicShouldRule]

They are BEAUTIFUL ! I have same kit in 20/12/13/16.

[@malonedrum]

Nice, I love mine!

[@sonnyredbull6]

Awesome kit I have an early '60's round badge maple finish kit that I have owned for forty years I have many other kits but nothing beats that Gretsh sound. I have made more money gigging with it over the years then all my others combined plus it was the most requested kit by my bandmates. Key find my friend always liked that finish 💯👍😎

[@malonedrum]

They are some insane drums, that’s for sure.

[@BADD400]

Mike fabulous job on the restoration, they sound awesome

[@malonedrum]

Thanks.

[@jorymil]

Love the Great Day In Harlem poster! Never noticed it before. And the kit is of course super-cool :-)

[@malonedrum]

Love it!

[@booyahsunshine]

This video was a great treat at the end of a long day. Perhaps beyond what you’re going for but we appreciate ya

[@malonedrum]

Glad to hear it!

[@DrummerDanny76]

I really enjoy watching your videos.

[@malonedrum]

Glad you like them!

[@Mieczu_DRUMS]

Beautiful drums! You did a flawless job!

[@malonedrum]

Thanks!

[@MrJosephFusco]

Dude that is a stunning kit, and the amount of work and love you put into the restoration is truly inspiring. You went above and beyond and if you believe - as I do - that certain drums contain a lifelike quality unto themselves, then you just made that little kit feel very loved.

[@malonedrum]

Thanks man.

[@ramencurry6672]

I wouldn’t call him dude. I would call him sir

[@walt3851]

Great video! Appreciate you sharing. Very inspiring and informative. Thanks!!

[@malonedrum]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@shawnsdrumcave]

you got a great deal on the set! i sold a 14" floor tom just like that for $900 a few years ago. sold within minutes.

[@malonedrum]

Yeah, from what I hear the market for these Drop G drums are wild

[@shawnsdrumcave]

@@malonedrum any 14" floor tom round, stop sign, drop G, even early 80's square badge fetch big $

[@SPACEMAN_fkYT]

Good looking set man. I always liked “That Great Gretsch Sound”. ☮

[@malonedrum]

Same here!

[@johnschweiger6486]

Another great video Mike. I always learn something new.

[@malonedrum]

Thanks!

[@josephcollura1220]

Great job Mike! They look and sound awesome!

[@malonedrum]

Thank you!

[@JulianFernandez]

BD is a beast! kudos!

[@malonedrum]

Thanks!

[@ikp1222]

I love your meticulousness! Such attention to detail 🤙

[@malonedrum]

Thank you so much 😀

[@jensbakjepsen9304]

Very nice videos you upload - and when it’s with old gretsch drums… that’s just perfekt ☺️👍

[@malonedrum]

Appreciate it!

[@terrydonegan1622]

I love the gretsch sound. Great video

[@malonedrum]

That Great Gretsch Sound.

[@terrydonegan1622]

@@malonedrum I have a Pearl maple/gum which is based on the gretsch recipe.fab

[@ReeBPM]

Brilliant video as ever. Just always so impressed in your abilities and confidence to take on these projects!

[@malonedrum]

Thank you so much!

[@johndorohovich3367]

Your videos are very informative and entertaining, great job 👍

[@malonedrum]

Thanks

[@RobMilanowski]

Another great video. I like the color of that set.

[@malonedrum]

Might try to bring this one out next week to Buttermilk Park if you're around. Monday @ 7

[@migueldiazdrums]

Yes! Love the content. I wish there were more vintage gretsch kits in europe as you don’t see that many

[@malonedrum]

They are hard to find here, but even harder on any other continent! Sorry...

[@migueldiazdrums]

@@malonedrum at least we got the videos 😂

[@adamhagerman5612]

Great find! And tasteful mods. It's unfortunate that they didn't have that hardware back then! I think they would have been way more popular if they had!

[@malonedrum]

Agreed!

[@Du1uxDog]

Had three same kit which had the very pore Tom holder. Replaced the Tom holder with a slingaland Tom Tom holder which covered the old hardware holes

[@malonedrum]

Nice!

[@louis-philippekyer4335]

What a steal !

[@malonedrum]

Sure was!

[@joeldrummer23]

Beautiful set

[@malonedrum]

Thanks.

[@nicolabarbieri4093]

Bellissimo kit il top per tutti i batteristi

[@malonedrum]

Thank you!

[@Rhythmic1]

I really dig your funk band. You guys sound great. My old Gretsch drums are hands down the best recording drums I own and trust me considering the other kits I own that's really saying something. I'd like to start using them live again but I don't know how to refurbish 40 years of wear and tear. The first thing I'd like to do is bring back the glossy shine. The finish is really dull even after polishing. Furniture polish just isn't working anymore. But right now I'm trying to figure out the provenance of the drums even though I bought them new in the early to mid 1980's. I have ebony stained shells. They're 8", 10", 12" 13" & 15" power sized toms with a 16" floor tom. I wisely converted the 15" to a floor tom many years ago. Best sounding floor tom I own or have ever played. I have two 22" x 16" bass drums. One with a tom mount and the other without. The same one you're using as a replacement in this video. Surprisingly I prefer the sound of the bass drum with the tom mount better than the one without. The floor tom and bass drum legs are Pearl as suggested by the drum shop for the exact reasons you stated. The toms are undrilled and have the same old rims suspension mounts your mounted tom originally had. They all have the 1980 square badge on them. You'd think that would be determinative but that's where it gets confusing. The first half of the kit I bought at the now long defunct Valley Drum Shop here in Los Angeles sometime between 1981-83. At the time they were second only to Pro Drums when it came to keeping LA studio drummers geared up so it wasn't at all unusual for them to have new old stock. But they ordered them for me from the factory because I didn't want the shells drilled for tom or leg mounts. The other half of the kit I bought directly from Gretsch by way of a close friends relationship with Fred Gretsch sometime between 1984-86. It's possible that the drum shop had some of the drums in the back of the shop and ordered the rest of the shells with the older badge. It's also possible that Fred asked me if I wanted the badges to match my older drums. I talked to Fred about what I wanted but I honestly don't remember if the subject of badges came up. It wouldn't have been at the top of my concerns. According to Gretsch's website the original square badge was only used in 1980. It's definitely not one of the stop sign badges or the new square badge used from 1981-2013. This is the 1980 square badge version shown on their website. The shells are a bit of a puzzle as well. I went on an old drum forum to see if I could determine if they were Keller shells or Jasper shells but I still couldn't tell. From what I read on that forum Jasper was the main supplier of shells not just in the 1960's and 70's but even through the 80's and 90's and into the early 2,000's. But according to one commenter Gretsch would use Keller shells when Jasper lagged behind in production. I don't know how much of that drum forum info is accurate but if I have to sell them I would like to know exactly what I have.

[@malonedrum]

There’s a lot of stories just like this with Gretsch drums. Always a challenge pinpointing every detail.

[@Rhythmic1]

@@malonedrumYeah, I remember when I would call the vibe was more like a local drum shop rather than a modern factory. The lady at the desk didn't know how long they were going to be out for lunch like they had gone fishing. Like maybe they were pulling parts off the shelf they got from a local hardware store. Which by the way was fine by me. Just makes them that much more unique. Do you have any suggestions on how to bring back the glossy finish? Do you use a polishing compound?

[@1thess523]

That Kick drum sounds sweet

[@malonedrum]

Thanks, I love it

[@1thess523]

@@malonedrum I got a free Catalina Maple kit with an extra 14x14 Round Badge Catalina floor tom for free from our sound guy at our old church. I was really surprised when I swapped the heads and tuned it up.

[@SteveGuess-dc3ie]

Hey Mike! I am new to the world of vintage Gretsch (just bought a Dixieland)& I love it! Great stuff! Saw your videos for the first time today, loved them! subscribers were at 9.9k. I subscribed……..Immediately 10k. Am I really the 10,000th?! Congrats BTW!

[@malonedrum]

Maybe you are the 10k sub, if so congrats, and don’t unsub

[@steverichdrummr]

I really enjoyed your video, and subscribed. Nice job on these great Gretsch drums. I love them, and they sound great. My preferred tuning of yours, was the low and unmuffled. I already own way too many drums.

[@malonedrum]

Check out the back catalogue of videos. A whole lot of stuff I'm sure you'll love.

[@steverichdrummr]

Thanks, I will!@@malonedrum

[@jarrettwalck3409]

Very cool man.

[@malonedrum]

Thanks!

[@CReyno816]

Bro, I'd love to have that gretch kit.

[@malonedrum]

Bro, I love them

[@jezzalexander]

You got wiggle-room and a flipping Pearl Masters snare for FREE - you godamned pie hawker! (nice playing too - smoothie jazz grooves and all that)

[@malonedrum]

It was a great deal

[@jezzalexander]

@@malonedrum Very good going, I salute you.

[@ivanbajovic3476]

Great video. I just want to say my opinion that floor tom wobbling is good for sustain. Look at newer Tama Starclassic floor toms, they are made to wobble.

[@malonedrum]

Interesting, although I have a little bit of a beef with companies always hyping the "added sustain" talk, just because I always end up muffling out sustain. I understand that's just me, not everyone, but I prefer the durability

[@ivanbajovic3476]

@@malonedrum I will correct myself. Maybe sustain isn't right term cause sustain is drum head vibration length. And that's OK to muffle the drum head if sustain is too long. I would rather say that kind of legs mount system leads to maximum SHELL RESONANCE. Shell resonation is very short (and desirable) and makes richness and fullness of tone. If you choke the shell, tone will be weak but if you choke just the drum head, tone will be rich but short. Don't get me wrong, I am not some kind of drum craft teacher or drum philosopher. You know better than me. I just want to express my thinking 😊. And sorry for my imperfect English, I am from Europe. Cheers.

[@malonedrum]

@@ivanbajovic3476 Totally fair, makes me wonder why so many companies drifted away from it then too.

[@ivanbajovic3476]

@@malonedrum I'm not sure. A lot of drummers like physical stability of floor toms on the first place. Can be irritating for someone when can shake the floor tom with just one finger. But it is OK for me, I'm used to it. It doesn't move while playing. Some companies like Pearl use special airy rubber feet instead of Tama's patent.

[@Monsterdrumma]

I have a set and the edges are all different on all my toms including the floor tom. The 12” and 13” are like a roller coaster on the top and bottom edges. I may have them redone to 30 degrees yet they still sound like fat warm rich punchy Gretsch.

[@malonedrum]

I think mojo from vintage drums comes in the human element/inconsistency of them, but that's just my superstition.

[@Monsterdrumma]

@@malonedrum I have had snares with chucks taken out if the shell on the inside a Gretsch USA also and it killed but these toms aside from sounding super warm and vintage the tuning range is basically one note because of the edges so in this case it is effecting them otherwise I agree with you.

[@nesslessman6379]

I would love to own those as well. Ludwig captured my soul over the last 15 years though so I bought a new 7 piece classic maple. Gretsch is definitely one of my favorite tones and I almost went that route. Maybe someday.

[@malonedrum]

Maybe someday!

[@jay_palacios2314]

I aquired a “vintage” spec 2017 broadcaster kit. I Can not stand the floor Tom legs. Would love to see you do a conversion video on using the new modern hinged set. There’s 3 styles from my research. Vintage, vintage modern and modern hinged or something like that.

[@malonedrum]

No video required, it's literally unscrewing your old ones and putting on the new diamond brackets. Hole pattern should line up perfectly. In fact, I already did it to these drums.

[@zamyers]

Love your videos bro!

[@malonedrum]

I appreciate that!

[@matthewsherman9765]

Sam at Chuck Levins!!! My local shop!!!

[@malonedrum]

Tell him thanks for me!

[@glennracoma7481]

Dude you done a excellent job on restoring these vintage drums. I'm inspired to do the same. Question; I bought a mid 60s' - 70s' custom combined built round badge/stop sign badge kit. I heard the sound bites and its that true Gretsch sound that hasn't quite made it with todays replicas of vintage kits and I say that with deep respect for the company. I'm soooo convinced when I first saw this jazz kit and heard the bites it blew my socks off!!! - it's really, in my humble opinion, that "Great Gretsch sound!" I'm near approaching a decision to modify parts of it but I've got questions before attempting it. If you don't mind I'd like to contact you on it? If that's okay? Great video thanks for the inspiration.

[@malonedrum]

Good luck with your restoration, I’m sure it’ll turn out great. Hopefully my videos can be helpful in your decisions.

[@nicowgn]

Have one with the same sizes that’s almost completely restored. Great drums. They rattle a bit too and the floor Tom legs are wonky. Keller shell era as well, correct?

[@malonedrum]

I believe this era would be Jasper, but I'm sure if I'm wrong somebody will reply back in here and correct here. I changed the floor tom legs and it's made my life so much better.

[@MP-ju4ol]

Have you ever worked vintage Slingerland post WWll Radio King drums/snares? Parts must be impossible.

[@malonedrum]

No, I don't have experience working on those.

[@FelipeCandiaDrumsPerc]

Great job!! Could it be that the microphone of the floor tom is not picking up as much bass, or the floor tom does not have much bass?

[@malonedrum]

It could be, also could just be personal preference in my EQ/tuning. So subjective.

[@RimshotsandNamaste]

The only infos I can find on the drum Lars used on the black album are: he used a stop sign badges 1980's Gretsch! Are you aware if there was different drum shell construction during that edition production?! What are the specs that you are aware? Type of wood? Shell thickness? TIA :) .. Great stuff as usual btw ;)

[@malonedrum]

I'm not sure what drums Lars used with Metallica, but that's probably because I'm not a fan of that style of music (nothing against, just not what I do). As for generally with Gretsch, I know their shell recipe changed becoming a bitter thicker coming out of the 50s-60s era, but if that interests you, I'd refer you to some of the great resources out there by the people who really know the stuff. www.vintagedrumguide.com/gretsch.html

[@RimshotsandNamaste]

@@malonedrum hey thank you!

[@wrenchgetter]

Dude, they only made the Drop G Stop Sign Badge drums for two years. 1980-81, when Balwin owned the company before family bought the company back. That mount was not on any drums for those two years. I own a blonde maple "Concert Rock Set". A lot of people change badges as I have read. Someone either changed the badge or the mount but, I don't believe this was factory. I have no doubt that they are great drums. They should have serial numbers on the inside of each drum. Hope this sheds some light.

[@malonedrum]

🤙

[@mentalitydesignvideo]

I had same exact model, 4 toms and a BD. The 12" five lug tom was impossible to tune. Gretsch still uses that configuration, unfortunately.

[@malonedrum]

I love the 5 lug tom, bigger sweet spot.

[@mentalitydesignvideo]

I couldn't figure this asymmetrical damnation out, alas @@malonedrum

[@Mieczu_DRUMS]

Question! Are the sound control mufflers the same size in the rack tom and floor tom?

[@malonedrum]

They are the same.

[@mrnegronis]

For $700 you got a Hell of a deal. I disagree with some of your mods because if you ever go to sell it, there are some Gretsch fanatics that want the useless 70s mounting hardware holes. Gretsch people are a funny breed in their loyalty to the brand. Personally I would have kept the RIMs mount and made something to cover the holes on the tom and bass drum without permanently gluing in wood parts. The one change you did that I don't have a problem with is the spurs. The originals were not factory correct and you mentioned about them being on the wrong side so an adjustment could be made. It's probably best you went with modern Gretsch spurs since the "vintage build" replacement Gretsch spurs would have been much less useful for contemporary playing

[@malonedrum]

After using this kit for studio, teaching and gigging I still stand by all the mods I made, and I’m not too worried about resale at this point. Can’t imagine I’d lose money on them for what I paid, but I understand the purist out there are certainly in their feelings about a few of the modifications I chose to do for my own kit.

[@bpmdrums]

What’s this about stuffing lug holes with cotton balls?

[@malonedrum]

Stops the springs inside the lugs from loosely vibrating

[@terrydrums]

Doing some hardcore compare and despair over here. I can count the number of vintage Gretsch kits I own on zero hands. 😒

[@malonedrum]

Enjoy vicariously

[@terrydrums]

@@malonedrum It’s certainly more affordable that way.

[@NintenDub]

If anybody had this kiy anywhere in a 200 mile radius from me, theyd hav3 em listed for like 3000$. Thes3 deals just do not exist ever,anywhrre near me. Every,single, piece is at msrp and ebay pricing. Count yours3lf lucky that ppl near you dont think ever single thing they own is top notch in value and worth

[@malonedrum]

I’m sure there it could happen in your area, but the internet has made this sort of game exponentially more challenging.

[@NintenDub]

​@@malonedrumno..you find ppl posting for 1599$, a stack of Ludwig's that are in cases . You message the seller, and they don't have pics of the drums just the cases. Than you have to tell them that nobody is gunna buy,or bother to come look. Ppl have rogue,slp, and cb drums listed at 4,5,600$+ . It's absurdity. The deals you get are insane to me, even when I'm sure you'd sometimes call them "not really much of a deal"

[@onepursuit7494]

great video but it would be nice if you didn't play the same song the WHOLE ENTIRE VIDEO

[@malonedrum]

I didn't play it during the live band clips....

[@caferrara]

Proving once again that Gretsch drums from that era sound great tuned high but otherwise, meh.

[@malonedrum]

I don’t agree with you at all, I love they way these sound tuned low and tubby.