Gretsch snares

  • Thread starter Thread starter Phosphene
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Phosphene

Phosphene

Horse Diaper
a continuation from my other thread...

what Gretsch snare models are "lower-end" and which are higher? I see a Catalina Club for $50 and a Catalina Birch for $150-$200. I want to spend $300 give or take on a good one. I just don't want to overspend on it.
 
My Gretsch snare was about $350. Next time am over at the studio, I will check to see what model it is:)
 
Neither of my Gretsch snares are labeled in any sort of way for me to communicate to you what model they are. My older one is 8" deep and maple. My newer one is 5 1/2" deep and is also maple, but the lower 2inches of the snare has a metal ring (black). Both sound great to me. Both are also 10 lug with die cast hoops. Based on the finish, bearing edge and hoops, my bet (when comparing cost to the 2 toms I bought about 3 years ago) is that the 8" deep snare would cost about $800. The 5 1/2 " one sells for around $300 or so, lists at $350, but I walked from GC with mine for about $225.
 
What is the alternative to die cast hoops as far as metal hoops go? Why are die cast considered better? I mean, if a snare doesn't have them, what will suffer?
As far as 10 lug vs 8 or 6, I assume it gives you more stability and equal tuning capabilities.
 
Also, are there non-USA made Gretsch's that I should stay away from?

Last question: Are those Renoun snares for $170 on ebay comparable to 60's Gretsch snares? It would seem they are missing something to be so relatively cheap.
 
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So I got a little more info on my newer snare... It is the satin maple free floating snare. Not only that, but the price has come down on them and you should be able to get one for $200 or less.
 
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