Yes, Mardi Gras is back!!! And, no one has it but us! The recreation of this fantastic finish was accomplished through Steve working with the good folks at KMC Music, exclusive distributor for Gretsch. Back at NAMM in January 2009 Steve and the folks at KMC had their first discussion about this issue. KMC had a desire to re-introduce a vintage finish from the past, and it didn't necessarily have to be a finish that was traditionally associated with Gretsch. Mardi Gras immediately came to Steve's mind and KMC agreed, so the plan was set in motion. There were different versions of Mardi Gras and they varied by drum manufacturer. Slingerland, Leedy and Rogers all had this finish, and each had a slightly different variation of it. Steve provided a pristine example of one of the original Mardi Gras versions and several prototypes of the finish were completed. The intent for the final product was to replicate the concept of the original Mardi Gras finish but with enough subtle differences so as to give this version its own unique character. The final version was approved March 13th, 2010 after almost 15 months of work, and the finish is now going into production. This finish is currently exclusive to Steve and it will only be available on Gretsch USA Custom drum sets ordered through Steve. You can't get this finish anywhere else.   

Steve is now taking orders for these sets. In addition to the traditional Gretsch paper tag inside each drum, Steve will include a special paper tag inside each drum identifying these sets as the very first sets in this newly introduced finish. Set #1 and set #2 have already been sold, but contact Steve now. You can get your order in for a Gretsch USA Custom set in Mardi Gras, and, you can choose your build-out as follows:

Traditional build out: This includes all Gretsch USA Custom build features such as their 6 ply shells; choice of Gretsch tom holder; key rods for bass drum; die cast tom and snare hoops, heavy duty spurs; chrome plated hardware.

Traditional build out, gold: Yes, gold plated hardware is now a standard option! This build out includes all Gretsch USA Custom build features such as their 6 ply shells; Gretsch tom holder; key rods for bass drum; die cast tom and snare hoops, heavy duty spurs. All hardware gold plated!

Vintage Tribute build out: This is our famous "vintage" build that Gretsch uses on the USA Custom line with their 6 ply shells. This build out uses all of the 60s era features such as internal tone controls, diamond floor tom leg brackets; bass drum Pratt internal muffler, vintage spurs, vintage T rods, gloss black hoops with inlay, snare drum with Lightning throw off, internal tone control and snap in key holder; vintage rail consolette which is Steve's new rail that is designed after the 60s version and is now a Gretsch vintage replacement part. The vintage tribute build out is done in chrome only.

See the sets we have coming in: http://www.maxwelldrums.com/gretsch-vintage-drum-sets-gretsch-mardi-gras-sets-c-188_21_297.html