If I was in the market for the same reasons, I'd hunt for an old late 50's early 60's Slingy. Find one with nice rounded bearing edges and brass hoops. You really can't go wrong with that. Even the student 6 luggers sound great. Plus , a slingy should be cheaper . Good luck

Thanks. Also looking at the Ray Mosca/Shelly Manne Slinger-Leedys. I'm assuming they're the same drum as a Hollywood Ace save the lugs and strainer?

I own both and I'm more of a Gretsch guy than Slingerland but faced with that decision I'd go with a Slingerland. I think you'll have a greater chance of getting a drum that works for you. I happen to like the sound of my RB wood snares but even so I prefer the Slingerlands of the same vintage. Matter of fact I recently bought a Slingerland silver sparkle snare to use with my SS Round badge sets in place of the matching RB snare (although I'll typically end up using a metal Ludwig for most gigs).

Tough call. The Gretsch 4157 is really hit or miss in my experience unless you want that boxy sound. I went through 2 or 3 before I found one that I absolutely love. Problem with your question is that my other favorite wood snare is a 6 lug Slingerleedy. They are both excellent.

Thanks for all the responses. I've had a 6 lug Slingerland with tone control before. Didn't tune high well, which I'd need the option for with this snare. But the stick saver hoops + less lugs = one of the most righteous rim shot sounds I ever got - the Slingerland student snares are gems, as are the Rogers Luxors for the same reasons. I don't know much about Ludwig wood snares and wood Rogers or Camco stuff is too costly, but I'm open to suggestions to dial in the sound I'm looking for. I already have a Trixon wood snare that came with my kit, but it's got some tuning limitations.

Plenty of hits made on the RBs. I'd go for a Slingy single ply. The other issue though is the throw. I have an Artist with a Slingy Speedy Throw and I prefer it to clams etc. You'll need it to stay on or it's back to the top...$00.02

Even tho I played Gretsch for 36 years and love 'em, in this case I think the Slingy is your better sounding bet. The RB snares DO sound boxy...you need to find one with perfect bearing edges or one that has been recut by a master drum restorer.

I'll take a Slingy snare all day long over a Gretsch snare. That is if we're talking Gretsch snares from the round badge era. I'm agreeing with Retrosonic - Boxy sounding! Although some can sound nice. I'll take a Round Badge Gretsch set, but use a more articulate snare drum.

It's too bad you can't play before you pay, but can an RB era snares really be that bad? Surely not all of them sound boxy. There are a lot of variables, head combinations, snare wires, tuning etc. Modern heads can be fitted better with wax.