Does anyone know of a repair for the old Lightning strainers like on this drum which will occasionally work itself to the off position when playing? I noticed when I had it off the drum for cleaning that it was very wobbly and loose. You also have to assist the strainer by having a finger on the back of the strainer and on the lever when engaging snares otherwise it tries to go into place very lopsidedly. I can see why Gretsch redesigned this strainer later on to have the lever in the middle now. I don't want to add holes or use a non Gretsch strainer with a plate btw. Other than that the snare drum sounds incredible. Very wide and useable tuning range, tons of resonance and sensitivity and a woody character. I've had three newer Gretsch USA Maple customs that did not sound as sweetly vintage as this. This one sounds like my favorite classic Art Blakey, Max Roach and Philly Joe Jones snare sounds. I do have a fresh set of Gretsch 42 strand snares replacing the factory original and worn out 42 strand Power Snares that the drum came with.

Pythonman - be a little patient on the floor tom issue. It may not take all that long to find a matching 16x16, and you will be pleased enough with that sound coupled to what you already have. What you have there is very nice as is for now, so enjoy it. If you get really lucky, a matching 14x14 might show up, but it is likely you'll pay a lot for it. The 16x16 shouldn't be a budget buster.

As I was saying, this one just sold on eBay in December:

Yep I saw that, by the same guy I got my aqua satin Gretsch drums from.. Probably supposed to go with my kit LOL. Oh well. I do like the sounds of 14x14" bebop floor toms better. And you're right, soundwise and playing wise, I'm all set and in no hurry. Just sold off a 1980 rosewood gloss Gretsch kit that was 22,12,13,16 when I found the round badge drums. They were great sounding but every single one of them had extra holes from an "upgraded" Yamaha YESS tom mounting system and the floor tom had "upgraded" Ludwig leg brackets and legs. Only the matching 14x 5 1/5" snare was unmolested and the only reason I bought the kit was I got it dirt cheap. Liked them but they were easy to let go of.