Amazing Exclusive: Coltrane-era, Elvin Jones-owned Gretsch Floor Tom

poppies · July 20th, 2012, 07:24 AM

This beautiful piece of history, a great-sounding 16x16 floor tom, was owned by drumming legend Elvin Jones. The Gretsch Anniversary Sparkle finish was designed to celebrate the company's anniversary in 1958; leftover wrap was then offered on drums for a few years after. The window for when the finish was available, along with the Swissair baggage tag still on the drum's case, makes it likely this drum was used during Elvin's signature years with John Coltrane, possibly on a European tour. The sparkles in the finish have been tinted gold, likely from playing in smoky clubs.

Everything on this round badge, Jasper shell drum is original, except the period-correct bottom hoop and newer head (the drum was marked on the case as "no bottom") and the period-correct legs. Gretsch Permatone heads are installed, but the original top head is included. The original case is also included, with a classic use of tape to spell out "ELVIN."

A provenance document signed by Keiko Jones is included.

Jay Norem · July 20th, 2012, 03:32 PM

Where did you get it? It looks tantalizing. If this is for real, I suggest you put this up on Drummer World. I'm betting you'll find some interest there.

poppies · July 20th, 2012, 04:14 PM

It's definitely for real. I got the drum from dealer Donn Bennett, who's well known for having acquired many of Elvin's items. His website has a selection of various Elvin pieces, but I had to specifically inquire about this drum. I was only interested in Gretsch items from the most notable period of Elvin's career. The floor tom was the only existing item from that period.

I probably will indeed post this at Drummer World, but I think it's probably more of an item for a jazz aficionado.

Jay Norem · July 20th, 2012, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by poppies

It's definitely for real. I got the drum from dealer Donn Bennett, who's well known for having acquired many of Elvin's items. His website has a selection of various Elvin pieces, but I had to specifically inquire about this drum. I was only interested in Gretsch items from the most notable period of Elvin's career. The floor tom was the only existing item from that period.

I probably will indeed post this at Drummer World, but I think it's probably more of an item for a jazz aficionado.

Why do you want to sell it?

poppies · July 20th, 2012, 07:33 PM

I don't have the proper space for it with new items coming in. It's too important a piece to just be stored away, so I think it's time for a new owner.

KONA · November 27th, 2012, 10:15 PM

Thank you for being there Mark!

You know how much I will appreciate your drum. I'm new to this Forum - only found it by way of searching for information on the drum.
I am SO looking forward to receiving this beauty. But, as I told you earlier, I promised my wife she can wrap it for a Christmas gift for me....I will have to wait a little less than a month.
Gary

July 20th, 2012, 07:24 AM	#1
poppies Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 5	Amazing Exclusive: Coltrane-era, Elvin Jones-owned Gretsch Floor Tom This beautiful piece of history, a great-sounding 16x16 floor tom, was owned by drumming legend Elvin Jones. The Gretsch Anniversary Sparkle finish was designed to celebrate the company's anniversary in 1958; leftover wrap was then offered on drums for a few years after. The window for when the finish was available, along with the Swissair baggage tag still on the drum's case, makes it likely this drum was used during Elvin's signature years with John Coltrane, possibly on a European tour. The sparkles in the finish have been tinted gold, likely from playing in smoky clubs. Everything on this round badge, Jasper shell drum is original, except the period-correct bottom hoop and newer head (the drum was marked on the case as "no bottom") and the period-correct legs. Gretsch Permatone heads are installed, but the original top head is included. The original case is also included, with a classic use of tape to spell out "ELVIN." A provenance document signed by Keiko Jones is included.

July 20th, 2012, 03:32 PM	#2
Jay Norem Composer/Drummer Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Just outside the perimeter! Posts: 7,627	Where did you get it? It looks tantalizing. If this is for real, I suggest you put this up on Drummer World. I'm betting you'll find some interest there. __________________ "Funny...when you talk to Jay on the phone, he actually seems quite normal and not insane at all." Phil Kelly

November 27th, 2012, 10:15 PM	#6
KONA Registered User Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 1	Thanks ! Thank you for being there Mark! You know how much I will appreciate your drum. I'm new to this Forum - only found it by way of searching for information on the drum. I am SO looking forward to receiving this beauty. But, as I told you earlier, I promised my wife she can wrap it for a Christmas gift for me....I will have to wait a little less than a month. Gary

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July 20th, 2012, 04:14 PM	#3
poppies Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 5	It's definitely for real. I got the drum from dealer Donn Bennett, who's well known for having acquired many of Elvin's items. His website has a selection of various Elvin pieces, but I had to specifically inquire about this drum. I was only interested in Gretsch items from the most notable period of Elvin's career. The floor tom was the only existing item from that period. I probably will indeed post this at Drummer World, but I think it's probably more of an item for a jazz aficionado.

July 20th, 2012, 07:33 PM	#5
poppies Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 5	I don't have the proper space for it with new items coming in. It's too important a piece to just be stored away, so I think it's time for a new owner.