SKF NOTE: From 1978, this is not my favorite Gretsch ad. Too many words. Drummer photos too small, too cropped. Tony Williams, Jeff Hamilton, Freddie Waits, and Charlie Watts all – I think – had dedicated Gretsch ads – which were much more fun to study.

Also, Phil Collins came close, but I can’t remember any drummer playing a monster Gretsch kit like the set shown at the bottom of this ad. I was so knocked out by all the classic Gretsch ads with Philly Joe Jones, Max Roach, Elvin Jones, Mel Lewis, Tony Williams, Art Blakey, and their four-piece Gretsch drumsets — I bought one.

I’m sure the Gretsch marketing team would disagree with me, but nine toms, double-bass drums, and a snare drum still seems against the Spirit of Gretsch.