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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
Videos
Steve Maxwell Drums
INCREDIBLE CONDITION! Gretsch Round Badge Kit - Midnight Blue + Istanbul Agop Cymbals
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
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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
User experience
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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
Value and pricing
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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
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Artist usage
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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".
"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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