New Gretsch Snares vs Supraphonic

  • Thread starter Thread starter Phosphene
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Phosphene

Phosphene

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I bought a new Gretsch 4x14 USA maple snare and a 70s Ludwig 4x14 supraphonic just to test them out and see which one I like best. Well, what is it with these new Gretsch snares? Has anyone else bought one? It is a USA, but I don't know if I need to play around with dampening more, or new heads, or what, but the Ludwig sounds better to me. The Ludwig is still crisp and articulate at very low playing levels, which is what I like. The Gretsch isn't as articulate, to me.

I'm guessing I'm going to sell the Gretsch because I just like the Ludwig better.
I've tuned em both up and down and played with muffling and after a month, I am still liking the Ludwig better. I'm not trying to get anyone to talk me into keeping both, but maybe there is something I am missing. I'm not a set drummer, and I just got a set in the past 3 months, so I'm kinda out of the loop. Do I need to get a new set of snares for the Gretsch?

What are everyones thoughts on these NEW Gretsch USA snares? Here's a link to one like mine (mine is clearcoat, not blue)

SNARE!!
 
The Gretsch is a good snare. Granted a Supraphonic is probably better in most situations for recording.

One major thing that will hamper the Gretch is the die-cast hoops. The Supra probably has COB triple flanged hoops that allow the drum to sound more open and sensitive.

There is a reason the Ludwig Supraphonic has the title of the most recorded snare drum in history. (besides the fact there were millions of Acrolites, Supersensitives, and Supraphonics sold :p )

I'd try Triple flange hoops, Remo PS3 head, and Remo Diplomat snare-side and puresound blasters. I bet that'll breathe some life into that drum.

Or you can always sell it and save up for a Black Beauty. :D
 
the new gretch stuff is ok at best. some of them sound good some sound real good, but most are average. How many lug? Wood vs metal, there are many differences. You can always make a supraphonic sound good, thats kind of a given. The gretch snare bed isn't cut that well so that might have to do with the response of the drum a bit.
 
it's a 10 lug. what's a black beauty? i remember reading about it i think.
 
ok, one last question and i'll let it die.

those old wmp round badge snares go for about what i paid for the new one. would i have better luck with an old one?
 
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