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Mystery Gretsch Snare Last viewed: 1 day ago

Posts: 1 Threads: 1

Hi, I've had no luck placing this snare so far. I bought it off E-bay a few years ago, sold simply as 'Gretsch snare'.

It appears to be walnut. 14" x 5.5". The shell is only two ply (thick ones mind!) and the reinforcing rings are walnut too. There is no wrap or finishing ply. The finish is very thin, perhaps nitro-cellulose. Certainly no depth or gloss to it. The interior is finished in a thick silver paint which looks just like Gretsch 'Silver Sealer'. There is no label inside the shell, or any sign there was one. All the hardware seems to be genuine Gretsch. The problem is the badge. It's octagonal, with 'Gretsch' above and below the air hole but no other inscription. No 'USA' or 'Since 1883'. It's not featured on the Gretsch web-page or mentioned elsewhere. I've never seen a shell like this anywhere - two ply walnut with walnut reinforcing rings?? Does anyone have any information on its provenance? Is it a USA Gretsch or has it come from their Taiwan factory? Or is it an elaborate fake?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/57213559@N05/5909142119/in/photostream

http://www.flickr.com/photos/57213559@N05/5909700316/in/photostream

http://www.flickr.com/photos/57213559@N05/5909699424/in/photostream

http://www.flickr.com/photos/57213559@N05/5909699082/in/photostream

Any thoughts appreciated. It's a great sounding drum in any case!

Posted on 13 years ago
#1
Posts: 357 Threads: 62

I have a brass crystaltone drum that has the same throw and rubber/plastic spacers on the lugs. My drum is from Taiwan I guess too but it sounds great. Your drum probably sounds really good it just isn't worth anything to Gretsch collectors. I like to play my drums too so i bought one. I have not been disappointed. I don't think mine sounds as good as a 4160 by any means, it's just different. I have recorded with mine before on a reggae project and got a very good sound.

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Posted on 13 years ago
#2
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