I think it is a beautiful snare and I would sure love to see a matching kit in the same finish. Am I understanding correctly that the only difference between a 4157 and a 4155 is the fact that one is wrapped and the other is finished? Or, did the model number change during the late 60s? Thank you for sharing.

Thanks Randy73...

Apparently Gretsch also used model number "4155" on the 6.5x14 10-lug snare drum (off & on) and used it again during 1968-70 RB era on the 5x14 8-lug snare drum for some reason... why, I wish I knew.

The attached catalog page is from Catalog #44 (1968-70) which shows the "walnut finish" Jazz kit and it shows the chrome and wooden snare as options but doesn't list "4155" by the model number nor does it list by model number the "4244" but we know the "4244" 14x18 bass drum is optional (my 18/12/14 bop kit below) but isn't listed either by model number.

The other catalog attachment showing the "4155" is from a earlier 1960s Gretsch catalog but not sure which year?

Hopefully my post will draw out other 1968-70 "4155" RB owners to compare the drums and or help answer 1968-70 RB questions.

What an absolutely stunning kit!

Mitch

Agreed !!!!!

I love trying to figure out all of those little oddities that occurred like this too. Hopefully some more guys will chime in with other 4155 tagged drums like yours. Amazing kit BTW!

Thanks Randy73, 1966BMX & DownTownFarmer... I appreciate the kind words.

Yes hopefully more detailed information will surface concerning the 1968-70 RB walnut finish drum sets & snares.

Just know for years, I have searched for Gretsch (1960 -1970) RB wood finished drum sets and unfortunately I have only seen or found a small handful of only walnut finish RB examples and nothing else yet.

Aside from the RB bop kit I posted, I also own a matching #s RB 20/12/14 Progressive Jazz outfit and a RB 6-ply 8-lug 14x24 bass drum both in original walnut finish and are strangely within 1055xx serial number range of my bop kit... apparently Gretsch walnut finish RB kits appear sometime after 90xxx range but a large amount of them show-up between 103xxx to 107xxx range?

Do you have a gallery set up on here showing all your awesome sets ?

Sorry no gallery yet... but maybe one day soon.

Ok cool thanks . I figured I had to ask .