Mike, this whole freak'n video is awesome. We share a passion for vintage drums for sure, and that Gretsch is a beauty ( ok, not saying perfect, but you know it's gorgeous with it's life history and character).I've always loved that (I think)walnut? finish, and come on, you gotta love die cast hoops, right? I do. I freaked out when I saw you buy an Emporer X with a dot, because I just re-furbed a Ludwig Standard 5" wood shell that came to me with that head, which I reused. One problem though, whereas it sounded fabulous at medium tuning, it had MAJOR snare buzz anywhere off the dot, and that's where I mostly hit, rim shots a couple of inches from the edge. I tried all kinds of thing to get rid of the incredibly loud buzz, with zero luck. I started to quedtion even the wide snare beds. Well I gave up and brought it in to Villiage Drum, my local drum expert. Anthony, the great and genious owner, opened the case, put his finger on the words Emporer X, and said " Steve, that's your problem right there, wrong head for this drum. Try a Remo Ambassador coated, or equivalent". Guess what, he was 100000% right, as soon as I did that it went to zero buzz. I was actuelly shocked, but he was right.
I bought a Gretsch 80's kit once, the seller shipped Russian doll style and took the lugs off. When I put it back together, several of the lugs stripped, I found out those older lugs were self tapping lugs and had a high chance of stripping. Good news is the newer lugs fit perfect so I was able to replace the stripped ones. Looks like your drum didn't have that issue which is good.
I have one just like that in chrome over wood finish with a drop g badge. Amazing drum, the overtones sound great on it. You scared me with the emperor X head but I'm glad you didn't use it lol as for the rimshots in low tuning it happens to me as well. It detunes because with 10 lugs you have more contact points so the tension is distributed and when you tune them low there's just not enough tension to hold the screws on a rimshot. I use just one lug lock on the screw I'm more prone to rimshot over (on the left hand) and it did great, no more troubles with that. Great video, congrats for the snare
I think all the tunings were certainly use-able which makes this drum versatile, but I think I prefer the low the most and it's what will make me choose this specific drum over others I already own.
Beautiful drum, Mike! love the vids and that drum is killer! I've been looking for one of those 70's Gretsch snares in that finish myself. Keep smackin!
Hi Mike, I was surprised to see you using such coarse steel wool on the hoops. I usually go with aluminum foil or very fine steel wool, but I'm usually restoring junkier drums. Wondering if you'd care to share your thoughts on that?
I don’t remember it being that coarse, but I usually use aluminum foil as a default, but when I use something more abrasive, I work gently until I’m sure it won’t ruin the chrome.
3:14 This drum dates from around 1976-77. Many drums in the 61000 to 67000 range have the guarantee blacked out. This was done at the factory. This happened during the Baldwin buyout.
I am pretty sure I have this model. I purchased it for $500 AU in 1992, have toured and recorded with it a bunch. I have had similar issues with the tension rods. I like the high tuned muffled, medium and low tunings unruffled. I’d be keen to see what it’s worth now.
Great video man!! I know this video was about the snare, but I love the sound of your toms, they sound awesome! Those rootseq on toms are so good, i remember chatting with Jordan rose after a Cory Wong gig and he absolutely loves them too!!
Another great video Mike. If you have a chance to try 42stand wires, I would recommend it. Also, my understanding is the company crossed out the ‘life time guarantee’ info on the shell.
I have some 42 strands (or maybe they are 30 strands) on my Chrome Over Brass, and it's just too much buss for me as a jazzy drummer who likes tight articulation, but on the gushy drums, it's great.
Good eye, I swapped it out during the demo because I was worried the bottom hoop was out of round, I actually went a picked up a new die cast hoops as well.
Hey Mike: Great video. I just may have a snare drum that you would love to have, mid to late 70s 14 X 6.5 Black, almost perfect Gretsch Snare Drum. Give me a response if you would love to see some pics.
Yep, knew emp x would be a no-go. Everybody seems to love them but they're just too thick period. However, the CS x is the greatest snare head. Another thing about these drums are the way the snare beds were done back then: deep and narrow - a totally different snare response and hard to get snap and crack. I redid the edges and beds on mine, but then it's not original of course.
@@malonedrum I like wood snares too, just not Gretsch snares. I absolutely love their drums (TT and BD) , just not their wood snares. I have a 60’s 20BD, 12TT, 14FT, 16FT..all in natural finish. They’re gorgeous!!! Plus I’ve owned numerous other Gretsch kits over the ages. Now they’re kinda pricey as people are on to their amazing tones…That Great Gretsch Sound as it’s put
Fretboard cleaner is great stuff, but it contains some silicone, which can make glueing very difficult if you need to do any repairs. Heads up for future projects Great work though!
No prob. Absolute cannon in the end btw. I've had a 10 lug 6.5x14 wood catalina club snare for years and I love it, but I don't feel comfortable with it exactly. It can be a bit wild and excitable! And yes, drops tuning with rim shots
It has a thud sound, like hitting a cardboard box, and not much character. But that is not your fault. Gretsch wood drums have a bad reputation for being boxy, as Steve Maxwell likes to say. But the COB Gretsch is a classic. I do have a 1950s Gretsch wood snare that has a nice low end bark to it. @@malonedrum
Oh, you did tune it high. Well, for whatever my opinion is worth, it still has a boxy sound. Maybe it's my speakers. Really like your playing, by the way. A real pro.
The rustic finish on that drum is gorgeous
I agree! A classic Gretsch Walnut
Mike, this whole freak'n video is awesome. We share a passion for vintage drums for sure, and that Gretsch is a beauty ( ok, not saying perfect, but you know it's gorgeous with it's life history and character).I've always loved that (I think)walnut? finish, and come on, you gotta love die cast hoops, right? I do. I freaked out when I saw you buy an Emporer X with a dot, because I just re-furbed a Ludwig Standard 5" wood shell that came to me with that head, which I reused. One problem though, whereas it sounded fabulous at medium tuning, it had MAJOR snare buzz anywhere off the dot, and that's where I mostly hit, rim shots a couple of inches from the edge. I tried all kinds of thing to get rid of the incredibly loud buzz, with zero luck. I started to quedtion even the wide snare beds. Well I gave up and brought it in to Villiage Drum, my local drum expert. Anthony, the great and genious owner, opened the case, put his finger on the words Emporer X, and said " Steve, that's your problem right there, wrong head for this drum. Try a Remo Ambassador coated, or equivalent". Guess what, he was 100000% right, as soon as I did that it went to zero buzz. I was actuelly shocked, but he was right.
Had to learn the hard way…
Hi Mike, it's always nice and entertaining to watch you renovate your drums and with this nice old Gretsch snare you've created another beauty 🥁😉👌🏼
Appreciate it!
Very nice drum! Lol the emperor x was an interesting suggestion..
Yeah, not for me
I really like the low and high tuning and That snare is a beauty. Great vid as always
Appreciate it! Thanks for watching
You really inspire me to start looking for vintage drums and restoration, and did I hear some Dave Growl and Nirvana? love it!
Appreciate it! But don't waste your time buying vintage drums to restore, just buy them from when I'm done with them!!!
Lil' Grohl in there for sure.
I bought a Gretsch 80's kit once, the seller shipped Russian doll style and took the lugs off. When I put it back together, several of the lugs stripped, I found out those older lugs were self tapping lugs and had a high chance of stripping. Good news is the newer lugs fit perfect so I was able to replace the stripped ones. Looks like your drum didn't have that issue which is good.
Whew, thank god I didn't have that issue.
Just another fine video in a line of other fine videos of yours. It not only looks great, but t sounds great too.
Thank you for sharing.❤️🙏👏❤️🙏👏❤️
Appreciate it
That Great Gretsch Sound!
You know it!
I have one just like that in chrome over wood finish with a drop g badge. Amazing drum, the overtones sound great on it. You scared me with the emperor X head but I'm glad you didn't use it lol as for the rimshots in low tuning it happens to me as well. It detunes because with 10 lugs you have more contact points so the tension is distributed and when you tune them low there's just not enough tension to hold the screws on a rimshot. I use just one lug lock on the screw I'm more prone to rimshot over (on the left hand) and it did great, no more troubles with that. Great video, congrats for the snare
I did buy some lug locks, and it helped a bunch. I don’t live in low tunings, but that certainly helps for when I need and want that sound.
Great Nirvana intro !! :)
Thanks!
Is that The Brothers Johnson as the background music at the start? Ah... I see--backing track plus you!
💡
I’m really enjoying your videos Mike! Keep up the good the great work!
Thank you!
Another great video! Always look forward to Mondays and a new upload from you. And I recognized the last groove you did…
Awesome! Thank you!
I like Hi tuning, muffler on, snare on, I have the same snare, great snare
Nice!
Sounding great, love the drum. Just wondering why did you put a triple flanged hoop on the bottom for the recording?
Good eye, when I was demoing it, I was worried the bottom rim was out of round, so I swapped it and ended up ordering a new die cast rim.
My first drum is gtretch energy, but sound is wonderfull.. 🥁👍
Those are great, you’re lucky to start on such a nice kit!
@@malonedrum yups...thank you bro, goood luck👍
I loved all the tunings.
I think all the tunings were certainly use-able which makes this drum versatile, but I think I prefer the low the most and it's what will make me choose this specific drum over others I already own.
The Dave Grohl
Fill/entro was a good touch.
Just try to imitate where I hear this sort of drum being played.
Beautiful drum, Mike! love the vids and that drum is killer! I've been looking for one of those 70's Gretsch snares in that finish myself. Keep smackin!
The deep ones are hard to find, but worth it!
Nice snare! It’s great that you have the talent to work on the drums as it probably saves you a lot of money on drums that you can work on!!
I think drums are much more approachable for doing mods and restoring than other instruments, but maybe that's just me.
Great work and video! 🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼
Thanks!
Hi Mike, I was surprised to see you using such coarse steel wool on the hoops. I usually go with aluminum foil or very fine steel wool, but I'm usually restoring junkier drums. Wondering if you'd care to share your thoughts on that?
I don’t remember it being that coarse, but I usually use aluminum foil as a default, but when I use something more abrasive, I work gently until I’m sure it won’t ruin the chrome.
Hey Mike, Thanks for the vid! Do ever check bearing edges on your vintage purchases?
Only if I can't get it to sound good.
3:14
This drum dates from around 1976-77. Many drums in the 61000 to 67000 range have the guarantee blacked out. This was done at the factory. This happened during the Baldwin buyout.
That's such a funny quirk. I love how companies took the approach like this in past times instead of just printing new paper tags. It's hilarious.
@@malonedrum exactly! Like they’re not going to let the paper be wasted either!
Awesome video!!! Really enjoyed the restoration!!!
I am pretty sure I have this model. I purchased it for $500 AU in 1992, have toured and recorded with it a bunch. I have had similar issues with the tension rods. I like the high tuned muffled, medium and low tunings unruffled. I’d be keen to see what it’s worth now.
I don’t know the exchange rate or market in Au, but it’s worth a lot more I imagine
Another great video, Mike. Just curious about why you decided not to give the lug holders some cotton for added sound proofing.
I didn’t hear it as an issue, but in retrospect, I wish I had done it while it was apart, just in case.
Great video man!! I know this video was about the snare, but I love the sound of your toms, they sound awesome! Those rootseq on toms are so good, i remember chatting with Jordan rose after a Cory Wong gig and he absolutely loves them too!!
I love Jordan’s playing, and I see toms of drummers relying on them to tighten up the toms just right.
That Ryan guy seems pretty cool and likes the beef
He had killer hair, but then he gave up on it.
Sounds great! Love this channel. Quick question, what snare stand are you using? Love the swaying motion while playing.
I believe it's just your standard everyday Yamaha stand?
Another great video Mike. If you have a chance to try 42stand wires, I would recommend it. Also, my understanding is the company crossed out the ‘life time guarantee’ info on the shell.
I have some 42 strands (or maybe they are 30 strands) on my Chrome Over Brass, and it's just too much buss for me as a jazzy drummer who likes tight articulation, but on the gushy drums, it's great.
These are just your most satisfying videos!
Thanks a bunch!
nice video! Question: Do you recommend putting wood polish to drums (ex. pledge wood polish spray)?
I don't typically find it necessary usually, I typically go for soapy water as it's very safe.
oh.ok.How about the lugs? do you recommend metal polish or just wd40?
@@malonedrum
@@boldstardex It''s really not my place to say, but I go over my approach in this video, so watch it and decide for yourself and your situation!
Mike, what was that thing you did on minute 13:02 it was Awesome 💯 ! perhaps make a quick tutorial on it? thanks!
Just mixing in some linear stuff. Kicks between hands and all that. Plenty of great stuff with that on TH-cam already.
@@malonedrum for us beginners out there... what does linear mean (in this context)? LOL 😆
@@emrahercancakirit means playing one thing at a time, so playing kick drums between hands in the context here. It has a pretty cool vibe to it.
@@malonedrum it sure does. I will need to add this to my practice routine. Thank you Mike!
How did you end up with a triple flange hoop on the resonant side?
Good eye, I swapped it out during the demo because I was worried the bottom hoop was out of round, I actually went a picked up a new die cast hoops as well.
Hey Mike:
Great video. I just may have a snare drum that you would love to have, mid to late 70s 14 X 6.5 Black, almost perfect Gretsch Snare Drum. Give me a response if you would love to see some pics.
Send me an email at malonedrum@gmail.com and we’ll see!
Gretsch need to seriously utilize some DW R&R and update the lightning like Ludwig did to their P series throws.
Agreed! That was the one thing I was excited about with DW getting into the Gretsch business.
That fat sound is perfect.
Agreed!
Yep, knew emp x would be a no-go. Everybody seems to love them but they're just too thick period. However, the CS x is the greatest snare head. Another thing about these drums are the way the snare beds were done back then: deep and narrow - a totally different snare response and hard to get snap and crack. I redid the edges and beds on mine, but then it's not original of course.
A learning experience with the head, very one dimensional.
It’s nice to look at but I could never get into Gretsch wood snares. To me they always have some wonky sound to them. I love their COB snares though!!
I also have a COB from the 60s and it’s a special drum, I just love the warmth of wood.
@@malonedrum I like wood snares too, just not Gretsch snares. I absolutely love their drums (TT and BD) , just not their wood snares. I have a 60’s 20BD, 12TT, 14FT, 16FT..all in natural finish. They’re gorgeous!!! Plus I’ve owned numerous other Gretsch kits over the ages. Now they’re kinda pricey as people are on to their amazing tones…That Great Gretsch Sound as it’s put
Fretboard cleaner is great stuff, but it contains some silicone, which can make glueing very difficult if you need to do any repairs. Heads up for future projects
Great work though!
Thanks for the info!
No prob. Absolute cannon in the end btw. I've had a 10 lug 6.5x14 wood catalina club snare for years and I love it, but I don't feel comfortable with it exactly. It can be a bit wild and excitable! And yes, drops tuning with rim shots
Gretsch factory worker would have altered the internal label at a time when gretsch got rid of the lifetime guarantee.
That makes it even more hilarious!
They sharpied the paper tag frpm the factoty..
That's what I'm hearing, and that's hilarious that was a factory approach.
Sounds very boxy.
What do you mean by that in a technical sense?
It has a thud sound, like hitting a cardboard box, and not much character. But that is not your fault. Gretsch wood drums have a bad reputation for being boxy, as Steve Maxwell likes to say. But the COB Gretsch is a classic. I do have a 1950s Gretsch wood snare that has a nice low end bark to it. @@malonedrum
@@caferrara Interesting, I don't hear them that way, but everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
I'd like to hear it at a jazz tuning. It might sound great. @@malonedrum
Oh, you did tune it high. Well, for whatever my opinion is worth, it still has a boxy sound. Maybe it's my speakers. Really like your playing, by the way. A real pro.