Hi all,
I just swapped some unwanted cymbals for a 70s Gretsch SSB COB snare. Heavy, 10-lug model. Will post pics when I can.
It appears to be all original save for a few tension rods. But hard to fit the snare side head... but that may be normal due to the pounded-in snare beds?
Is any of this normal for these snares?
TIA,
Ken
here's the only photo I currently have - does not show the maladies I speak of, but jst so you know what kind of drum we're talking about!
I have the same snare and mine is not like that. I have had a few Slingerland COB snares that looked similar to what you describe but I do think they had been dropped on the lugs because they were pushed in. COB shells are fairly easy to straighten with a few properly shaped wood blocks, a hammer and some patience.
Welcome to the club and congratulations on acquiring the infamous Gretsch 4165 snare.
For comparison, my 4165: http://www.vintagedrumforum.com/showthread.php?t=29831
To answer your questions:
1.) I am guessing the snare was dropped, which dented the shell. Someone took a hammer and pounded the dents back out just a little too much. This can be corrected by any good metal worker to the point where it would be unnoticeable.
2.) I've used Remo Ambassador and Evans Power Center Reverse Dot batter heads and Evans Hazy 300 resonant heads and all fit tight on my 4165. More so on the snare side, so I would say this is probably normal.
It looks like your snare is in great condition. I've successfully used Flitz to clean all of my chrome. It's non-toxic and non-abrasive too. Be careful when cleaning around the recessed center lines on the shell. Cleaner/paste can easily get into the lines, which is a pain to remove.
If your shell still has the paper label and you don't mind, please post a picture or the serial number. There is a member that is collecting Gretsch information for a dating guide and this would be helpful. My S/N is 08161 and it has the 1st generation Lightning throw-off with the lever on the side.
-Tim
