This is a very special collector's snare drum. It's a Gretsch 4x14 real Max Roach, including the square Max Roach badge (which these are often missing), from June 1950 (the date is stamped inside the clear-finished shell). This Marine Blue Pearl 3-ply drum has the original tube lugs, hoops, badges, wrap, bearing edges, snare beds, etc. Everything seems to be original except the modern heads and the snare wires, though the snare wires are authentic Gretsch Responso wires. The drum is in good condition for being over 60 years old, the only major wear is on the Renown strainer shroud and arm, which have some chrome loss and some oxidation.

The previous owner had drumming legend Hal Blaine sign the interior shell and the top head of the drum. I don't have anything to prove the authenticity of these signatures, but it seems like a strange thing to do fraudulently (he didn't even mention it at first), so I trust it.

The drum includes a nice padded Gretsch drum bag, the kind with orange trim.

The best offer over $2,000 gets this magnificent drum, which is the best price I've seen for a true Max Roach snare.

Several images of this rare gem can be found at this link.