Introduction

2013 marked Gretsch’s 130th anniversary of instrument manufacturing. For this and previous even five-year anniversaries Gretsch released special versions of their most interesting guitars and drums. In this article we’ll explore the Limited Edition Gretsch Anniversary Bop Kits. Follow along as we start in 2013 and gradually work our way backwards in time through bling, swing and drum kits worthy of a king…  (Sorry, couldn’t resist)

 

Gretsch 130 Anniversary Limited Silver Satin Flame
130th Silver Satin Flame
125th Cadillac Green Gretsch Anniversary Bop Kit
125th Cadillac Green
120th Champagne Sparkle Gretsch Anniversary Bop Drum Kit
120th Champagne Sparkle

 

10 years of Gretsch Anniversary Bop Drum Kits. 130 and 120 had two versions of bop kits while the 125th was limited to just one.

 

2013 – 130th Anniversary

In 2013 Gretsch offered five configurations of Anniversary Drum Kits, two of which were Bop kits. Both Bop variants came in satin flame. A Silver Satin Flame version with “modern” post platform mount for the tom tom, and a Gold Satin Flame with a vintage rail mount for the tom tom.

 

130TH Gretsch Anniversary Bop Drum Kit Limited Gold Satin Flame

 

SHELL 6-ply Gretsch formula Maple Shell
FINISH Gold Satin Flame Nitron
BEARING EDGE 30-degree
INTERIOR Silver Sealer
SNARE/ TOM HOOPS Die-cast
BASS DRUM HOOPS Satin Black with matching Gold Satin Flame inlays
HARDWARE Chrome with vintage appointments – Vintage Rail Mount Consolette, T-Rods, Vintage Spurs, Classic BD Claws, Vintage Diamond Plate bracket on FT, Batter Mufflers on BD and Snare, Batter and Resonant Mufflers on Tom and FT, Snap-In snare drum key holder, coated resonant heads on Tom and FT
MOUNTING HARDWARE Vintage Rail Consolette with Diamond Plate directly shell mounted
HEADS Gretsch Permatone by Remo with 130th Anniversary logos, Fiberskyn BD resonant head
Made in the Gretsch USA Factory, Ridgeland, SC

 

Built to USA Custom specifications, this retro looking USA Custom 130th Anniversary kit has traditional bop sizes, limited retro satin flame Nitron finish and vintage hardware appointments. Interior shells are finished with time-honored Gretsch Silver Sealer and include special commemorative and numbered 130th anniversary shell labels and hand-signed Certificate of Authenticity.

2013 – Limited to 35 kits worldwide

More on Gretsch Web Site

Gretsch Anniversary Bop 130th Gold Satin Flame
130th Gold Satin Flame
Vintage Tom Mount
Vintage Tom Mount
Vintage Rail Mount Consolette
Rail Mount Consolette
Vintage Spurs
Vintage Spurs
Classy!
Classy!

 

130TH Gretsch Anniversary Bop Drum Kit Limited Silver Satin Flame

 

SHELL 6-ply Gretsch formula Maple Shell
FINISH Silver Satin Flame Nitron
BEARING EDGE 30-degree
INTERIOR Silver Sealer
SNARE/ TOM HOOPS Die-cast
BASS DRUM HOOPS Satin Black with matching Silver Flame inlay
HARDWARE Chrome
MOUNTING HARDWARE G4945 bass drum mount and GTH-SLC Single
tom arm
HEADS Gretsch Permatone by Remo with 130th Anniversary
logos, Fiberskyn BD resonant head
Made in the Gretsch USA Factory, Ridgeland, SC

 

Limited to 35 pieces, global, during the second quarter of 2013, this USA Custom 130th Anniversary kit features Silver Satin Flame Nitron. Silver Satin Flame is a classic finish used by Gretsch during the late 1960’s. Also included are numbered and serialized 130th Anniversary interior shell labels and Certificate of Authenticity. All drums are fully made to USA Custom specifications.

2013 – Limited to 35 kits worldwide

More on Gretsch Web Site

Limited Silver Satin Flame Grestch Anniversary Bop Drum Kit
Silver Satin Flame
Single tom arm
Single tom arm
Modern!
Modern!
Close up
Close up

 

2008 – 125th Anniversary

Shell interior
Shell interior

2008, Gretsch’s 125th anniversary was celebrated with three limited edition drum kits of which one was a traditional Bop kit. Available in Cadillac Green only. Special appointments included 6-ply shells with Silver Sealer, Silver Sparkle inlay on bass drum and T-Rods.

From Gretsch’s Website:

“In 1883 Friedrich Gretsch established the Gretsch musical instrument business in a small shop in Brooklyn and a heritage was born. Over the past 125 years, Gretsch Drums has blossomed to develop a musical legacy featuring industry innovations, a hall of fame endorsement roster and – of course – ‘That Great Gretsch Sound.’ In celebration of our 125 years as the oldest American drum brand name, we are offering these limited edition commemorative products.”

More on the Gretsch website

 

 

125th Anniversary Bop
125th Anniversary Bop
Gretsch 125th Anniversary Commemorative Badge
Commemorative Badge

 

2003 – 120th Gretsch Anniversary Bop Drum Kits

From early beginnings at a small Brooklyn NY shop in 1883, Friedrich Gretsch started his business at the young age of 16, built on a foundation of hard work and a dedication to making a quality professional product. One hundred and twenty years later his vision still rings clear today.

To celebrate its 120th Anniversary, we pay tribute to some of the finest, classic designs of the Gretsch drum company with a 4-piece round badge be-bop set along with a selection of snare drums that add a modern feel to the classic designs that Gretsch pioneered and has refined over these last 120 years.

The 120th Anniversary Round Badge Kits were Available in (CS) Champagne Sparkle Nitron or (DKWW) Dark Walnut Lacquer.
“Only 120 Limited Edition kits will be crafted and produced worldwide in 2003.”

More on Gretsch Web Site

120th Champagne Sparkle Gretsch Anniversary Bop Drum Kit
120th Champagne Sparkle

 

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