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$5 Yard Sale Gretsch Last viewed: 25 minutes ago

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Passed by a yard sale this morning and spied the case. Pulled in, saw what it was and asked how much, to which they replied, "I don't know...how about 5 bucks?"

I just smiled, handed them a $20 and said, "Keep the change. It's worth more than this, but this is all the cash I have."

Everyone was happy....

Anyway, it's pretty much a time capsule. Original top & bottom heads, and original snares that aren't hashed in the least! I kinda want to clean it up and leave it as is, but I kinda want to replace the heads and see how she runs.

Question is...why can I find no info about a Gretsch model 4140? Seems like a pretty straight-foward little 6-lug snare.

I know so little about Gretsch that it ain't even funny. Is this badge 1970's? I can't imagine it being much older than that. The strainer is super simple but works flawlessly, doing exactly what it's supposed to do, and smoothly. Clearly an aluminum shell, but with die-cast hoops.

What do y'all know about a model 4140? Thanks!

Posted on 8 years ago
#1
Posts: 2010 Threads: 19
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Is that an aluminum shell? If so these were sold as student kits. Gretsch's answer to the Ludwig Acrolite and available in 6 and 8 lug models.

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Posted on 8 years ago
#2
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Might be a 4104 Dixieland?

Maybe the guy writing on the tag switched the numbers?

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BLAEMIRE DRUMS
Thanks to Mr. Jerry Jenkins
Posted on 8 years ago
#3
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4140 appears to be a legitimate model number for a brushed aluminum 6 lug snare with Renown throw from the mid-1970s. I have another similar snare on my list with the 4140 model number. It is serial number 57058. Based upon serial number and badge, your drum is from 1975/76 time period.

Model number 4140 was one of the only ones that Gretsch used for different styles of drums. That same model number was used for 8x12 toms with tacked on resonant heads through at least the 1960s. I have four 8x12 toms on my list with that description. I suspect the demand for toms with tacked on heads dropped off a bit and the model number was given to this style of snare.

Collecting information about the following for ongoing research projects:
Gretsch drums with serial numbers,
Ludwig Keystone and B/O badge drums with serial numbers and date stamps,
Ludwig Standards from 1968-73, and
Ludwigs with paper labels from 1971-72
www.GretschDrumDatingGuide.com
Posted on 8 years ago
#4
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Thanks for the great info, y'all.

Interestingly, when I took the batter head off, I saw that someone had rather crudely filed some shallow snare beds in the batter side bearing edge, directly above the factory ones on the snare side edge. Why would someone do such a thing?!?

I think I'll clean it up, put it back together with the original equipment and keep it as a nostalgic piece, rather than making a player of it. Between my '70 Premier 2000 and '66 LM400, my aluminum shell needs are being met.

Thanks again...y'all rock!

Posted on 8 years ago
#5
Posts: 6170 Threads: 255
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That's the way to find them! Enjoy.

Posted on 8 years ago
#6
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Sweet find! They're still out there, you just have to keep looking. Congrats!

fishwaltz
Posted on 8 years ago
#7
Posts: 5295 Threads: 226
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Nice score!! It`s great to hear about super finds like this!!

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 8 years ago
#8
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Cool find.

Posted on 8 years ago
#9
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