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Late '60s - early '70s Gretsch Aluminum Snares?

Posts: 194 Threads: 62

I've been on the hunt for another chrome snare to alternate with my Gretsch 4160 and discovered there were 4108 and 4109 models of Gretsch chrome snares around the round badge/SS badge transition. I've also heard they came with the Playboy/student kits and weren't made very long. Anybody have one of these aluminum snares and able to compare it sonically to the COB 4160? Or can anyone note the difference between a 4108 and 4109? Maybe it's hardware?

They seem to be rare and I've never seen one for sale, but don't know if that raises its value as a student drum. They made me curious because I never knew they existed till I saw an old Baldwin-era catalog.

Posted on 10 years ago
#1
Posts: 10714 Threads: 579

I have a 4108 it is a magical snare drum. the hardware is the only difference in the 4108 and 4109 the shell is the same. The aluminum models sound nothing like the brass models. I can tell you this 4108 is one of my all time fav snare drums.

Your drummers not much good is he!? What you need is someone that's as good as me. ! John Henry Bonham !!
Posted on 10 years ago
#2
Posts: 2197 Threads: 202

Boy our Gretsch catalog pages are severely lacking...

Posted on 10 years ago
#3
Posts: 2010 Threads: 19

They weren't very prominent in the catalogs. Only shown in the back as part of Student kits.

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Posted on 10 years ago
#4
Posts: 507 Threads: 31

From vintagemore2000

I have a 4108 it is a magical snare drum. the hardware is the only difference in the 4108 and 4109 the shell is the same. The aluminum models sound nothing like the brass models. I can tell you this 4108 is one of my all time fav snare drums.

I too have a 4108 and everytime I take it off the kit and replace it with a supra, acrolite, any COB etc it's back within 20 minutes. Have to agree that it's magical. My only problem has been finding another one for a spare. Thanks for the tip on the 4109. I could use a throw off for mine but it's working for now.

Believe it or else!
Posted on 10 years ago
#5
Posts: 194 Threads: 62

From vintagemore2000

I have a 4108 it is a magical snare drum. the hardware is the only difference in the 4108 and 4109 the shell is the same. The aluminum models sound nothing like the brass models. I can tell you this 4108 is one of my all time fav snare drums.

Thanks for the input. What is the hardware difference between the 4108 and 4109, the strainer? Lugs? I know the 4105 and 4106 are the 6 lug versions, but I assume the hardware difference is the same with those.

Posted on 10 years ago
#6
Posts: 10714 Threads: 579

From Jay_M

Thanks for the input. What is the hardware difference between the 4108 and 4109, the strainer? Lugs? I know the 4105 and 4106 are the 6 lug versions, but I assume the hardware difference is the same with those.

No Different strainers and butt ends

Your drummers not much good is he!? What you need is someone that's as good as me. ! John Henry Bonham !!
Posted on 10 years ago
#7
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