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Gretsch Drums USA Custom Snare Drum - 5 x 14 inch - Chrome over Brass Demo

5" x 14" Brass Snare Drum with 1.2mm Shell and 4.0mm Die-cast Hoops - Chrome over Brass

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Gretsch Drums USA Custom Snare Drum - 5 x 14 inch - Chrome over Brass
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Solid Brass Snare with 4.0mm Die-cast Hoops

For an American-made brass snare with unrestrained sensitivity and endless versatility, be sure to check out the Gretsch USA Chrome over Brass snare drum from Sweetwater. Its 1.2mm chrome-plated brass shell, rich in body and lightning-fast in its response, is crowned with 45° bearing edges to optimize head and shell response. Topping it all off is a set of 8-lug, 4.0mm die-cast hoops capable of delivering commanding cross-sticks to chunky rimshots. You also get the best of Gretsch's US-made hardware innovations, including a Lightning throw off mechanism and onboard snap-in drum key holder. And for great tone right out of the box, a 42-strand snare wire and Gretsch-branded Remo Permatone heads are included.

About the Gretsch USA snare series

With several shell options to choose from, Gretsch USA snare drums are the perfect way to personalize the look and sound of your kit. These snares are an extension of the Gretsch USA line, and their classic, uniform look is a sure match for your Gretsch drums. Standard features include die-cast hoops, updated vintage throw off mechanisms, and a Sweetwater favorite: the snap-in drum key holder. Find out for yourself just what this series is all about with the Chrome over Brass snare drum.

Gretsch USA Chrome Over Brass 14" Snare Drum Features:

  • 5" x 14" American-made snare from the Gretsch USA line
  • 1.2mm chrome-plated brass shell is focused, sensitive, and cutting
  • 4.0mm die-cast hoops deliver chunky rimshots and commanding cross-sticks
  • 45° bearing edges optimize head and shell response
  • Onboard Lightning throw off and snap-in drum key holder
  • Includes Remo Permatone heads and a 42-strand snare wire

What is Demo Gear?

At Sweetwater, we're so picky that what we call a "demo" is actually better than what most music retailers sell as "new" gear! Our gear hasn't endured hundreds of people a week plunking away at all the keyboards, fumbling through Stairway to Heaven on every guitar or playing with every fader and knob on a mixer or control surface.

What demo means to us is that we've had it out of the box, or maybe it was in a customer's hands for a few days and isn't "factory fresh" as a result. Every demo item we sell has Sweetwater's 2-year Total Confidence Coverage™ warranty, and has been tested and verified up to "new" specs by our factory-authorized technicians to make sure it's in perfect working order before we ship it to you.

When you buy a Demo item at Sweetwater, you get:
  • 2-year Total Confidence Coverage Warranty™!
  • Products inspected and tested by our factory-authorized techs, guaranteed to function like new (or better)!
  • FREE shipping on most items
  • Equipment that will MEET or EXCEED your expectations!

Click HERE to browse our current inventory of Demo equipment. Purchasing demo gear from Sweetwater is a smart and safe way to save!

Warranty Info

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Tech Specs

  • Type: Snare
  • Drum Depth: 5"
  • Drum Diameter: 14"
  • Shell Material: Chrome Plated Brass
  • Shell Construction: 1.2mm
  • Hoops: 4mm Die-cast
  • Lugs: 8 x Classic Lugs
  • Color: Chrome
  • Finish: Polished
  • Heads: Gretsch Permatone by Remo USA
  • Manufacturer Part Number: G4160

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

Gretsch USA

I bought this snare drum for my Gretsch Catalina Club mahogany kit. Not necessarily the "bop kit" as I also purchased the 20" bass drum and two add on toms. 7"x10" rack and 16"x16" floor. Man does this kit sing. I'm convinced this snare could cover any sound or style with the right heads and tunings. It's thick as a brick, high quality, and even at higher tunings it's got a tight low end punch I'm feeling in my chest. No tin can sound here. For a 5 inch deep snare it sounds as punchy as some of your better 6.5" drums. For practically my whole life I've cherished the sound of the Ludwig 5"x14" Supraphonic as being the standard for the classic snare sound. While there will always be a place in my stable for that drum this bad boy is gonna take its proper place among them and rightfully so. Welcome aboard Gretsch.
Music background: Pro semi retired
Rated 5/5

Fantastic snare

If you're on the fence about this snare, go for it. Like another reviewer here, I've played Ludwig snares for years and they
are great, but this 4160 has a lower punch than my 6.5 Black Beauty. I'm not a fan of the stock better head though, it seems made for a good ol' Ambassador. It's got some weight to it, but With the die-cast hoops and the 42-strand wires, it's as sensitive as you could want and has solid rimshots and cross-stick. It really does make your rolls and ghost notes sound great. Love the throw-off and the butt plate too. I don't see anything that I'd change, outside of the batter head.

The bottom line is, I took the drum to rehearsal and everyone loved it (60s-80s pop). Took it to it's first gig and the sound guys loved it. They told me they ended up not using an EQ or effects on it, just a little bit of gate was all it needed. Highly recommend!
Music background: Touring
Rated 5/5

Fabulous Snare and Sales Engineer

I currently have 6 snares and this is now going to be my "go to" snare. Good for any genre. Wide tuning range. Fabulous. And...My sales engineer, Dan Robinson, is a rock star. Takes care of anything I need.
Music background: Rock Star Wannabe
Rated 5/5

Gretsch USA Custom COB

Awesome drum and super responsive. Drum stays in tune well and has a wide tuning range. Love the die cast hoops. Excellent quality from Gretsch, at a more affordable price than some other COB snares. This snare is quickly become my first choice for sessions and live performances.
Music background: Karate, Guns, & Tanning/ Indy Pro Drum
Rated 5/5

Better than my LM402

Been playing Ludwigs for ages. Love the Acro, Supra & Black Beauty (who doesn't). But this COB by Gretsch is a ton of fun. Smooth as silk. Love the Throw-off (Why can't Ludwig make a great throw off ?). Stays firmly in tune. Hi-low-mid, just works. Put a Big Fat Snare drum Medford on it, wow.... Thudy like Don Henly of the Eagles.
Music background: 40 plus years. Drums and Keyboards.
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