Ok I have an interesting question for you Gretsch gurus... Did Gretsch ever make 60's era snares that were 5" deep rather than 5.5"? I acquired a Gretsch snare sometime back that appears to be round badge era... however I am unsure on it's "true" identity. I do know it was re-wrapped based on where the seam is, the thickness of the wrap and that a round badge was obviously re attached. It is an 8 lug with the micro-sensitive strainer and there appears to be no evidence of additional holes or modifications. It does have the orange sticker with model 4157 on it and a serial number that would date it mid 60's. I can't find evidence of 5" snares of this kind in catalog pages... wondering maybe the previous owner re-cut the shell to a 5" and re-wrapped it??? Or did Gretsch offer 5" snares at all??
Gretsch 5x14? Last viewed: 5 hours ago
Well, the "official catalog" sizes were 4x14 and 5.5x14, but I've seen many variations on both of those sizes, including 3.5x14, 4.5x14, 5x14, 6x14, etc.
If there's silver paint spilling over onto the edges, it's likely the size is original. If the edges are fresh cut wood with no silver paint on them, then it has likely been cut down.
^^
Agreed. I have several variations of Gretsch snares in several sizes. Several of my 5.5" drums are actually 5.5 inches. Those that are shorter (i.e. 5.0-5.4") have original bearing edges with silver sealer dripped onto the edge. Didn't seem to be to much of an issue for Gretsch. Out the door they went!
Ok thanks for the info.... I'll have to look at the bearing edges again but I think the top edge is pretty clean of any silver paint. I could probably look at the bottom bearing edge for comparison since I would guess it was the top that would have been cut down much easier than the bottom side.
I had a super rare Gretsch 1950's Cameo Coral snare once that I sent to England......
The guy sent it back,as it was like 5-1/4" instead of 5-1/2".......
He claimed I made it in my backyard! ...I'm good,but not THAT good.......Bowing
After I got it back,I sold it to a guy in Canada who LOVED it,and still raves about it when he calls from time to time.......
I had a super rare Gretsch 1950's Cameo Coral snare once that I sent to England......The guy sent it back,as it was like 5-1/4" instead of 5-1/2".......He claimed I made it in my backyard! ...I'm good,but not THAT good.......BowingAfter I got it back,I sold it to a guy in Canada who LOVED it,and still raves about it when he calls from time to time.......
Sometimes it just seems to work out... one day that fellow that had it will realize he screwed up and wish he had it back (if he hasn't already!!). Would LOVE to add Cameo Coral to my collection...
The Gretsch BroadKaster, Renown & Economy were made in 5X14" & 5.5 X14" sizes. The 60's Gretsch metal was 5X14.
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