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Pricing and availability

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Description

The Gretsch Round Badge Drum Kit is a timeless masterpiece that blends rich history with modern craftsmanship. Revered by drummers across genres, this kit is a nod to Gretsch's legendary round badge era, renowned for its distinctive sound and aesthetic. Known for its classic 3-ply shell construction, this drum set delivers a warm, resonant tone that is both versatile and powerful. The shells are crafted from a unique combination of maple, poplar, and mahogany, providing a balanced blend of attack and sustain that suits everything from jazz to rock.

This kit features vintage-style hardware that complements its retro look, while modern innovations ensure durability and ease of use. The die-cast hoops offer precise tuning and consistent tone, making it a reliable choice for both studio recordings and live performances. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an enthusiastic beginner, the Gretsch Round Badge Drum Kit promises an exceptional playing experience.

Key Features:

  • Classic 3-ply shell construction for warm, resonant tones
  • Combination of maple, poplar, and mahogany for balanced sound
  • Vintage-style hardware for a retro aesthetic
  • Die-cast hoops for precise tuning and consistent tone
  • Suitable for various genres, from jazz to rock
  • Ideal for both studio and live performance settings
Steve Maxwell Drums

Steve Maxwell Drums

INCREDIBLE CONDITION! Gretsch Round Badge Kit - Midnight Blue + Istanbul Agop Cymbals

Video thumbnail for INCREDIBLE CONDITION! Gretsch Round Badge Kit - Midnight Blue + Istanbul Agop Cymbals by Steve Maxwell Drums

INCREDIBLE CONDITION! Gretsch Round Badge Kit - Midnight Blue + Istanbul Agop Cymbals

Steve Maxwell Drums

Steve Maxwell Drums

Video thumbnail for 60s Gretsch Round-Badge Progressive Jazz Drum Kit - Tangerine Sparkle by Steve Maxwell Drums

60s Gretsch Round-Badge Progressive Jazz Drum Kit - Tangerine Sparkle

Steve Maxwell Drums

Steve Maxwell Drums

Video thumbnail for Mid 1960's Gretsch Round Badge Drum Set - Black Diamond Pearl - 20", 12", 16", 5.5"x14" by A Drummer's Tradition

Mid 1960's Gretsch Round Badge Drum Set - Black Diamond Pearl - 20", 12", 16", 5.5"x14"

A Drummer's Tradition

A Drummer's Tradition

Video thumbnail for Late '50s Gretsch Round Badge description and sound test by Eddie Avakian

Late '50s Gretsch Round Badge description and sound test

Eddie Avakian

Eddie Avakian

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gretsch Round Badge Drum Kit.

Setup and maintenance

  • It's crucial to check for water damage, warping, and ply separation before restoration due to the age of the shells.

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  • Cleaning metal hardware can be done effectively by soaking in hot water with a small amount of Dawn detergent.

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  • Remo Coated Ambassadors are preferred for toms, with a Fiberskyn Ambassador on the bass drum for optimal tuning flexibility and sound quality.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Consider re-wrapping with era-specific glass glitter wraps for historical accuracy, as modern sparkle wraps may appear dull.

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  • A custom hi-hat clutch from Brazil allows precise cymbal tension adjustment and prevents slippage, enhancing playability.

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User experience

  • Re-wrapping and refurbishing by a professional can cost around $800, especially if bearing edges need work.

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  • Owners report difficulty fitting standard drum heads on vintage shells, recommending heads designed for slightly larger sizes.

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  • Owners highlight the versatility and impressive range of sounds from the snare, making it a standout component of the kit.

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  • The Cathedral Pipes FET mic is noted for its rich body, although it lacks a pad switch, causing distortion when used close to loud sources like the kick drum.

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  • Owners report that Remo heads fit tightly on vintage shells, with Fiberskyn heads fitting especially snug on bass drums.

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Use cases and applications

  • Vintage Gretsch Round Badge kits are sought after by jazz drummers due to their historical value and unique sound.

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  • A 20" Zildjian Kerope ride cymbal is favored for its sound quality, enhancing the overall jazz experience with this drum kit.

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Value and pricing

  • In restored condition, these kits can be valued between $1,500 and $2,500, making professional restoration a worthy investment.

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Features and functionality

  • The Glyn Johns mic setup is praised for its natural sound in jazz, and can be adapted for rock by close-miking kick and snare while retaining overhead placement.

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  • The rail consolette tom mount, common in 50s and 60s kits, is sturdy but requires marking for consistent setup.

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Comparisons

  • Aquarian American Vintage heads are noted to be thicker, affecting their fit and sound compared to Remo Ambassadors.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Nathan Followill uses Gretsch Round Badge Drum Kit

Nathan Followill

Drummer

Kings of Leon

...
Verified via YouTube

Used on "Use Somebody", as stated by Only by the Night producer Jacquire King in this July 31, 2019 interview with producer Warren Huart at 1:24:07.

This is my Gretsch drum kit, it's a 1959 Round Badge. This is the drum kit that was used on "Use Somebody". We used bunch of different drum kits, but we started with mine. (...) It just happened that this is the drum kit that we started with and we started with that song and so, we ended up using that and then also, this Acrolite snare drum was used on several songs, but (...) this is also the snare that was used on "Use Somebody".

See how Levon Helm uses Gretsch Round Badge Drum Kit

Levon Helm

Drummer

The Band

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Verified via reverb.com

"the main kit Levon Helm plays throughout the evening is a Gretsch "round badge"-era kit with a sleek black diamond pearl wrap. The snare appears to be something of an antique with a single-tension wood hoop. Levon was known for playing hybrid kits that incorporated various drums, so it's possible that the different drums in the setup came from different places."

Album Usage

The Gretsch Round Badge Drum Kit has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gretsch Round Badge Drum Kit, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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