drums. This 42-page booklet, which now includes full-color illustrations and expanded information, is

the definitive guide to dating vintage Gretsch drums by serial number. The author includes the history

of Gretsch’s use of serial numbers and presents timelines of changes made to more than ten physical

characteristics like throw-offs, labels styles and hardware. Rick Gier has based his observations on a

database he compiled of more than 8,600 vintage Gretsch drums. The result is a guide which will allow

the reader to closely estimate their drum’s manufacture date and determine if their drums have original

or era appropriate parts. The Gretsch drum owner no longer has to rely on imprecise and inaccurate

information – the legend, lore and lies of Gretsch drum dating. $15