editor’s note: Steve Parry stumped me with this one.
Hi George
Just wondering if I could pick your brains about I kit I bought about 15/20 years ago. I'm in the UK and I bought it on eBay from somewhere in the US (can't remember where, now, or from whom).
The seller said it was from 1958 and I've no reason to doubt that. The fittings, etc. look period correct and in the right position. From what I remember from the last time I had the heads off, the bass drum and floor tom are 6-ply and the mounted tom is 3-ply (I remember it being a mix of 6- & 3-ply drums). Unfortunately I don't have the matching snare drum.
But what makes me curious (and has stumped a good few people more in the know than I am) is the wrap. It is (now considerably yellowed) WMP but it has these gold & silver strands running through it. I asked my friend Ash Soan about it and he in turn asked people at Gretsch but came up empty handed. I also emailed Steve Maxwell but he was also none the wiser. I'd just love to know a) if it is actually from '58, b) if this was built specifically to order and c) what this wrap is actually called! What's the story behind this kit and what's the story behind the wrap?!
Pics Attached. Hoping you can help
Best, Steve