The newly-designed Gretsch Round Badge shares many of the same characteristics of the original version. Both are made from brass, yet the new version has only the Gretsch name embossed. (On the original brass badge, all of the graphic elements were embossed.) To enhance the look of the new badge, a simulated “patina” is applied giving it a textured, rustic appearance. The new badge will be affixed to the drums’ vent hole using a pneumatically pressed brass grommet. And, a grommet will be used for all drums whereas on the original round badge series the toms used a tack since there was no venthole on round badge era toms. Only the round badge era snares and bass drum had ventholes.

The Gretsch Round Badge was used on all Gretsch USA-made drums between 1930 and 1970 and grew to become an iconic symbol. Gretsch Drums manufactured during this period continue to be highly collectable and extremely valuable throughout the vintage drum community.

Even though Gretsch has introduced several alternative badge styles since 1970, the Round Badge continued to make periodic comebacks for special commemorative products like the 120th Anniversary Edition Products in 2003 and the 125th Anniversary Drums in 2008. In January 2012, a silver version of the traditional Round Badge was introduced on the newly released, USA-made Brooklyn Series.

“The reintroduction of the Round Badge to our USA-made product is a welcome return to a classic and very emblematic Gretsch Drum design,” said John Palmer, Director of Product for Gretsch Drums. “As we approach the company’s 130th anniversary, we are very proud to combine key elements of our rich heritage with our continuing advancements in drum making.”

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USA Custom Gold Glass Nitron

USA Custom toms and bass drums all start with legendary Gretsch 6-ply shells. They’re given the famous Silver Sealer interior coating, 30-degree bearing edges, and Gretsch’s trademark die-cast hoops. From there on, the choices are almost endless.

Decisions, Decisions
Sizes? How ‘bout twenty bass drums, thirty-eight rack toms, and nine floor toms. Finishes? Pick from twenty-six Nitron wraps, twenty-three nitro cellulose gloss lacquers, and fourteen nitro cellulose satin lacquers. Any of those lacquers can be combined with black in a diamond pattern called Harlequin, and any lacquer finish can be applied over an outer ply of highly figured curly maple.

USA Custom Satin Ebony

But the options don’t stop there. Gretsch USA Custom bass drums can be ordered with a variety of hoops, T-rods, spurs, mufflers, tom mounts, and cymbal holders. Floor toms can be fitted with four different models of leg brackets, including Millennium or Vintage Diamond. And virtually all of these hardware components are available in chrome, black, and gold finish.

That Special Drum
Most drummers consider the snare to be their most personal drum. The USA Custom line of wood snare drums offers seven sizes and five lug configurations (ranging from six to twenty) to suit virtually any musical application. And if those aren’t enough, four solid-maple and four solid-walnut G-5000 models are also hand-crafted in the Ridgeland factory…along with unique signature snares designed with and for Vinnie Colaiuta, Stephen Ferrone, and Stanton Moore.

Any snare drum may be ordered with the drummer’s choice of the classic Gretsch Lightning, Nickel Drumworks, or Dunnet strainer and butt. And now there’s a fourth choice: the fabled and much-loved Gretsch Micro-Sensitive strainer.

Just like it used to be, only better.

Making History…Again
The 2011 Micro-Sensitive strainer is actually a re-launch of a design that graced Gretsch snares from the mid-1950s to 1969, and that’s been a favorite of players and collectors alike ever since. But the new version has the added advantage of updated internal mechanics designed to meet contemporary standards of functionality. It’s a classic case of “just like it used to be…only better.”

Also available in a revamped and improved version is the new G5463 bass drum claw. It’s modeled after the classic G5462 claw hook, which has been in use since the 1950s. The new version is die-cast and triple chrome plated, and it features an interior pad that acts as a buffer between the claw and the bass drum hoop.

Along with the dozens of other options available, the return of the revered Micro-Sensitive strainer and the G5463 claw hook provide even more choices to make your USA Custom kit truly your own.

To see the complete line of Gretsch drums, visit the Gretsch Drums website.