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.
One of the most experienced drum collectors I know says they can never be great. I think the best vintage wood shell snare is a Rogers Powertone. Not cheap, but sound beautiful and work perfectly. Just a great simple snare that kicks butt.
Nothing beats my radio king now, I do also have RB snare with deep snare beds. I would say that choice is a matter of recording situation.
I "unboxed" my Gretsch with applying wax on edges and installing 42 strand snare wires.
Those snares can do sound great, as you can hear on many jazz recordings. It's just a matter of accept the way they sound.
Also changing the heavy die cast hoop to single flanged should open the drum, but I've never tried that solution.
Check how great 4157 can sound:
[ame]http://youtu.be/BbP0Q5mIplY[/ame]
One more for Slingerland, the Leedy Shelly Manne is also a great snare, I was playing mine Saturday night and it is very versatile, I have had RB snares but have never had a keeper, for my ears Slingerland and Leedy are always my favourites.
Good hunting
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.
+1 This is more or less the sentiment from most drummers including during the 60's even among endorsers.
I present this article for your further consideration:
http://www.drummagazine.com/gear/post/gretsch-progressive-jazz-kits-the-origin/
That being said I do own a 4157 and 4160. I also tried a few until I found the one I have now.
I find the Slingy the better option and am encouraged that it appears nearly unanimous.
Someone mentioned the models with brass hoops. Killer drums. In fact, most of the drums with brass hoops are something altogether different to my ear. I had a Shelly Manne 8-lug wood shell with brass hoops. It and the kit only went out the door because I simply was overloaded and something had to go. Rogers won and the rest are gone. But it was a great sounding snare and kit. I had the matching snare at the end. The one in the photo is the Frank Capp model and it was natural finish. Both had brass hoops and both were Slinger-Leedy era.
troutsudio - I've heard that. I've briefly owned a Rogers Tower snare; it's not all that far off from a wood Powertone save the Sta-Tite/buttplate - at least that's what I was told. Mine had no tone control; it reminded me very much of a modern snare. But the drum's construction was above all other vintage brands. I just parted with my COB Powertone for the Krupa and some cash.
The guy ended up selling the Slingerland last night, so it proves most of you right! The hunt is half the fun for me anyway, so I'll be on the hunt for another one or better, a Manne/Mosca model. The lugs on the Slingerleedys were great. All great feedback, this has been helpful, thanks.
