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126 Gretsch Snare Drum

Posts: 2713 Threads: 555

I bought this 20th Century Professional Fred Gretsch Manufacturing Company (F.G.M.C.) 1926 snare drum a couple of years ago. I have an early 1900's Noble & Cooley bass drum and the sticks you see here came with the drum. The sticks are probably 100 years old.

The stand I picked up on eBay a few weeks ago. It has roughly the same workings of a 1905 partial stand I have so it may be around the same time period.

DRUM SIZE:

about 3" x 13 9/16"

The drum is in excellent condition and plays well. The Pat. Pending strainer is very easy to use - a 1/2 turn or so throws the snares off and on. The snares are easy to adjust - loose to chocking.

I did nothing to it except tuck new calfhide heads on the original wood flesh-hoops. I cleaned the shell and metal parts carefully. The Roman Numerals XXV1 are carved into the underside (edges) of the wood counter hoops.....so I'm guessing that indicates 1926 for the drum year.

Posted on 12 years ago
#1
Posts: 1273 Threads: 22

Super-cool snare, Kona. Love it! Those sticks are aren't even chewed up!

B

Vintage Drum Fan (Not a Guru)
Posted on 12 years ago
#2
Posts: 5295 Threads: 226

I agree...Very classy snare indeed!! Sweet!!

Cheers

1976 Ludwig Mach 4 Thermogloss 26-18-14-14sn
1978 Ludwig Stainless 22-22-18-16-14-13-12 c/w 6-8-10-12-13-14-15-16-18-20-22-24 concert toms
1975 Sonor Phonic Centennials Metallic Pewter 22-16-13-12-14sn (D506)
1971 Ludwig Classic Bowling Ball OBP 22-16-14-13
1960's Stewart Peacock Pearl 20-16-12-14sn
1980`s Ludwig Coliseum Piano Black 8x14 snare
1973 Rogers Superten 5x14 & 6.5x14 COS snares
1970`s John Grey Capri Aquamarine Sparkle 5x14 snare
1941 Ludwig & Ludwig Super 8x14 snare
Posted on 12 years ago
#3
Posts: 1342 Threads: 71

Wow! Awesome! I'm jealous.

Posted on 12 years ago
#4
Posts: 5356 Threads: 87

What wood is the shell and hoops made from? Beautiful snare Gary.

Glenn.

Not a guru just havin fun with some old dusty drums.
Posted on 12 years ago
#5
Posts: 2713 Threads: 555

I think the shell and hoops might be Mahogany - not sure.

The finish has got that leather look - the finish on the wood has 'alligatored' with age.

Posted on 12 years ago
#6
Posts: 2713 Threads: 555

I received a nice handwritten letter from Mr. Fred Gretsch today in response to some question I asked him in a letter I sent. He said my drum may be older than I think because it's in the 1912 catalog (added this info in my first post above - edited today). He included this Gretsch bank - a nice little keepsake.

He must be a busy man and to take time out to write to me on a personal level is very much appreciated by me. Nice personal touch.

Posted on 12 years ago
#7
Posts: 2212 Threads: 95

That is pretty cool, but instead of dimes your gonna have to put $10 bills in there to be able to save enough for nice Gretsch kit!!

Posted on 12 years ago
#8
Posts: 2713 Threads: 555

Haha - I thought that very thing when I read the label. The can has a removable bottom piece so it can be emptied.....a lot of times to get your Gretsch kit. I think I will use it...........put toonies ($2 coins) or maybe even the new $5 coins (yes they are in the works!)....and save for a nice Gretsch snare drum.

We Canadians are going to feel like pirates walking around with all the coins....loonies,toonies and the $5s. They've started to phase out the penny. All our prices will be rounded up or down to the nearest 5 to deal with it. Sorry - got off topic.........but some might find it educational

From lucky

but instead of dimes your gonna have to put $10 bills in there to be able to save enough for nice Gretsch kit!!

Posted on 12 years ago
#9
Posts: 2713 Threads: 555

Here's the drum in 2022. I still have it. Still enjoying it

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Posted on 2 years ago
#10
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