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Need info on Gretsch 4157 snare drum Last viewed: 8 hours ago

Posts: 6 Threads: 2

Hi . . . new guy here! Not a drummer, but a musician and engineer/producer. My daughter is a budding drummer and I thought this old Gretsch would be a nice project, but she's not all that interested in this particular finish. "Too flashy." (Oy.)

What I know: it's a Gretsch 4157 8-lug round badge snare. I believe the finish would be called Midnight Blue Pearl? It seems to be in pretty good shape. To my eyes, it seems to be missing the lever on the snare throwoff as well as the muffler.

The wrap has separated but does not appear to be cracked. The chrome seems pretty good, with some pitting but not much discoloration or rust. (Sorry for the horrible photos, the chrome isn't as scratched as it appears.) The silver inside is pretty clean, as is the sticker (5-digit SN) and inner screws (round head).

If I ultimately want to sell it, should I replace the missing parts now? If so, should I do vintage parts or are replicas OK?

Based on the photos, do you think I have anything wrong on the description? I'm not trying (or expecting) to hit the lottery here, but I might as well get what it's worth. Thanks for any help. Cool forum!

Posted on 9 years ago
#1
Posts: 10714 Threads: 579

Jimmy your correct on the finish color, also the missing parts and also the drum key is missing from the key holder. I would just sale it as is. Let the next owner do the restro work on the snare drum.

Your drummers not much good is he!? What you need is someone that's as good as me. ! John Henry Bonham !!
Posted on 9 years ago
#2
Posts: 6 Threads: 2

Thanks. Dumb question -- what's the key holder?

Posted on 9 years ago
#3
Posts: 10714 Threads: 579

From jimmyjazz

Thanks. Dumb question -- what's the key holder?

It is the chrome part with the hole in the center of it.It is your 3rd picture.

Your drummers not much good is he!? What you need is someone that's as good as me. ! John Henry Bonham !!
Posted on 9 years ago
#4
Posts: 6 Threads: 2

Ah. I thought that was a vent.

Looks like keys are ~ $30 on eBay. I guess your point is that it won't add $30 to the value of the drum?

Does the drum look to be in decent shape? How do I determine a reasonable price? We have several drum shops here in town, but I don't know if they understand vintage drums or not.

Posted on 9 years ago
#5
Posts: 10714 Threads: 579

Look on ebay at completed listings. The drum keys get lost or misplaced a lot so yes I would let the new owner worry about that.

Your drummers not much good is he!? What you need is someone that's as good as me. ! John Henry Bonham !!
Posted on 9 years ago
#6
Posts: 6 Threads: 2

Yeah, if finish and lug count don't matter too much then I'm thinking $300 or so. One in worse shape appears to have sold for less than $299 but I don't know what the agreed on price is.

Am I nuts? I paid less than that at least.

Thanks a lot for your help.

Posted on 9 years ago
#7
Posts: 10714 Threads: 579

From jimmyjazz

Yeah, if finish and lug count don't matter too much then I'm thinking $300 or so. One in worse shape appears to have sold for less than $299 but I don't know what the agreed on price is.Am I nuts? I paid less than that at least.Thanks a lot for your help.

I think that is a good price for yours.

Your drummers not much good is he!? What you need is someone that's as good as me. ! John Henry Bonham !!
Posted on 9 years ago
#8
Posts: 6 Threads: 2

Very cool. I really appreciate it.

Posted on 9 years ago
#9
Posts: 525 Threads: 37

From jimmyjazz

Ah. I thought that was a vent.Looks like keys are ~ $30 on eBay. I guess your point is that it won't add $30 to the value of the drum?Does the drum look to be in decent shape? How do I determine a reasonable price? We have several drum shops here in town, but I don't know if they understand vintage drums or not.

You can pick up a Gretsch key that will fit for about 11 bucks from most any reputable music store.

You should check the holder for defects as the spring clip that holds the key in place can become dislodged or break.

Posted on 9 years ago
#10
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