Repairing Bearing Edge on RB Gretsch Drum Shell

In this edition, I take you through the process of repairing a nasty ding on the bearing edge of a 12" Gretsch RB shell and touching up the silver paint.

[@BadChizzle]

This came out nicely, Bruce. I’m all about saving old drums from a scrap heap. I’ve bought many shells, cheap… and brought em back to life. Sometimes people just don’t wanna do the work, so you find a deal. Boom! My latest great save is a mahogany Club Date shell 9x13” 3 ply with rerings, I revived… and it sounds amazing. There was nothing wrong with the shell, it had just been stripped of hardware and spray painted on the outside. Sheesh! Now it sings!!! Thanks for the video!

[@vintagedrumrestorationgara91]

Thanks friend! Glad you like that video. I LOVE vintage drums and have since the late 70s.. Whoops... showing my age

[@BadChizzle]

@@vintagedrumrestorationgara91 I’m 65 now. I usually don’t do the age drop thing, cuz you see so many people doing it, but we know some just age but never gain wisdom with it. I try to simultaneously do both. 🪄✨ Try…

[@vintagedrumrestorationgara91]

@@BadChizzleWe're the same age friend and feelin fine. I'm in the middle of a tile job here, so the next video will be out maybe by the start of next week. Cheers, Bruce

[@candidomendoza360]

Nice job repairing that shell. I have 3 Gretsch round badge shells, should I put 45 degree bearing edges on them?

[@edgartrejos7226]

Hola amigo! Greetings from Costa Rica! 😊 Thanks for sharing these videos. I simply love al these stuff! I have recently started to repair an old drum set I have. And I was wondering, do you recommend using any oil inside the shells?

[@chrish7336]

Sad that Gretsch won't repair them. Those are supposed to be LIFETIME Shells. Those inside labels look like they are in better shape than mine and could be read. Same Aqua Satin Flame as mine.

[@candidomendoza360]

Bruce, I have questions for you.

[@ajh21313]

What kind of fiberglass resin do you use?

[@FootyEmpire]

You did a great repair job. Really enjoy your videos…keep’em coming

[@williamfotiou7577]

Thank you so much for this, I have a drum that needs repair but I never thought about fiberglass resin. Is there any brand or type you prefer for these kinds of repairs?

[@vintagedrumrestorationgara91]

Any good quality resin will do the trick. Good luck with your project. Thanks

[@russkammerer4655]

Nice work! Thanks

[@jiffy59]

Bruce every time I watch your videos I'm fixing drums you are definitely an artist and a Craftsman all in one you really have a knack for making stuff come back to life I'm learning stuff and saving myself a lot of money by how you redo drums you are a wealth of knowledge thank you so much for sharing

[@vintagedrumrestorationgara91]

Well thanks Jeremiah. I have never been a wealthy man especially when I was a younger one. So I had to do my own work and learned on the job. Keep watching and if you have any questions, let me know. B

[@jiffy59]

@@vintagedrumrestorationgara91 I will Bruce thank you very much

[@handidrummed]

I'm glad I found this video. I have a 50s Gretsch marching snare that I'm refinishing as part of a single tension "Levon" kit. I wasnt sure if I should route the edges or do them by hand. I already filled in the snare beds with kwikwood and flattened the edges. I tell pretty confident now about doing this by hand.

[@BenjaminGib]

This is fantastic, and after reading all the comments I subscribed to your channe and look forward to watching more of your videos. I just purchased a new Gretsch Renown kit summer 2023 and it is great but my 12” does not sing like the 10” Tom and so I have been watching and reading everything I can on needing edges and recutting edges. I’ll have to find someone to do it someday.

[@peacemusic6512]

AWESOME!! Thank you for sharing, and doing an amazing job,, Much Appreciation!!! (>‿◠)✌

[@jaymeramirez7435]

Keep em coming brother.

[@chongzilla]

I made some octabans out of PVC pipe. Would this kind of edge work for that type of drum?

[@vintagedrumrestorationgara91]

Depends on what sound you want. If you want more ring and resonance the 45 degree may be better. Maybe use some scrap pvc and do both edges with some lugs and see what you think. Its a personal choice. Thanks for commenting. Cheers, Bruce

[@ryanwallace4686]

You're amazing! Subscribing now!

[@vintagedrumrestorationgara91]

Glad you like the content!

[@jarrahdrum]

excellent

[@mikewithers299]

Great job Bruce. I bought a cheap drum set for practicing repair work and it needs some slight bearing edge work. Since I've been a carpenter all my life I feel comfortable doing this kind of repair after watching your video. I know how critical that edge is, and the cleat spacing from the edge. Good job on that repair.

[@vintagedrumrestorationgara91]

I am sure you will do just fine Mike. Its not all that complicated and its better you start on something that needs work or that has little value. Keep me posted on your repair work and good to hear from you! Bruce

[@mikewithers299]

@vintagedrumrestorationgara91 thank you Bruce for the kind words. I won't be starting that project just yet but I will keep you posted

[@giovannifilippo2834]

Ma quella vernice argentata che usa la Gretch all'interno dei suoi fusti caratterizza anche il suono del tamburo oppure ha solo una funzione protettiva?? Saluti!

[@vintagedrumrestorationgara91]

The silver paint was most likely used as a protective coating, but it just may give the drum more resonance as well.

[@giovannifilippo2834]

Thank you!

[@adorodrums]

You are making the patched parts way stronger than the rest of the shell… i‘d just use glue and sawdust to build up…

[@vintagedrumrestorationgara91]

Yeah that would work too. Its easy to re-shape the edge with resin and thats what works for me. Cheers, Bruce

[@adorodrums]

@@vintagedrumrestorationgara91 you remind me a lot of my dad, also a carpenter. We used to build drums together for about 10 years… i am the drummer, he knows how to sharpen all the tools i make numb ;)

[@vintagedrumrestorationgara91]

@@adorodrums Well thanks for the compliment. Keep building drums and enjoying the craft. Do you like vintage drums as well?

[@adorodrums]

@@vintagedrumrestorationgara91 i am not a drum collector, but restore a lot of vintage drums. I prefer them prior 1964 :) the drums i build are also aimed at acoustic stages, so pretty much the idea of acoustic instruments before marshalls made stages a battle field for drums…

[@vintagedrumrestorationgara91]

@@adorodrums Are you in Germany?

[@spence0nasty]

Just found your channel and love it, keep the videos coming. I would love to see how you true up and recut edges on a Ludwig with the classic scarf joint bump.

[@vintagedrumrestorationgara91]

Thanks Spence for joining the channel and wouldn't you know it, I actually didn't film the edge work I did on that Ludwig snare drum. The drum was nowhere near flat and the edges were not great. It turned out great. Sorry about that but I will film the next one. Cheers, Bruce