I'm looking at a pre-badge six-ply Gretsch 4157 in very good shape. I've heard about the deep snare beds and this drum certainly has that. I've been told by a knowledgeable authority that the drum is probably a 1961. I can't play it before I buy it, but do want to be able to use it on jazz gigs...not just look at it.

So, what are the odds that this will be a "good one" or can be made into a good one with some new snares, maybe changing the hoops to stamped steel, and I may replace the strainer with a new Maxwell IF I can get it to sound good. I don't expect it to be a Supra, but probably will be a bit disappointed if it is putrid. :)

Thanks much.