Here’s what Jody says about this Gretsch style laquer job on this very nice looking drum kit:

Brian,

My name is Jody Hasty, I am 37 years old and have been playing drums since I was a little kid.

I used a Transtint dye that I custom mixed myself then pulled a lacquer job using deft spray can satin lacquer (it is a nitrocellulose lacquer) .

The first pictures shows the first 3 coats.  The second pictures of the bass drum is what it looks like after 15 coats.  The third picture shows entire set after 18 coats total.

A lot of time is required to do a decent lacquer job.  You mentioned the Gretsch look.  That’s what I was going after, the old Gretsch lacquer jobs from the 70′s.

The raw shells were provided by the owner of C&C custom drums from his Gladstone shell factory.

I did put the “voodoo” on these.  If you will notice the Bose radio in the first picture along with Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys in the background.  I vibrated the wood exclusively with Pet Sounds, Brian Eno’s Music For Airports, and The Verve’s A Storm In Heaven as they were drying or just sitting each night.  It does make a difference, but that is another story all together.  If you have any other questions, feel free to write.
Jody

First Three Coats

Custom Bass Drum after 15 coats

Final Drum Kit Assembly After 18 coats