Gretsch Snares
That's the sound, the anthem that began when Friedrich Gretsch, an immigrant from Mannheim Germany, founded a small shop in Brooklyn in 1883. He was to create a dynasty lasting to this day. Yet Friedrich Gretsch died unexpectedly in 1895 before he could see it bloom. It was his his son, Fred Gretsch, Sr. that built the business on a reputation for precision and quality. Two decades after he had assumed direction as the boy in knickers, he had moved the operation to a mammoth 10 story building at 60 Broadway in Brooklyn, where it remained until the company moved to Cincinnati, Ohio in 1972.
Fred Gretsch, Sr. retired from the company in 1942, his attire now the pressed suits of a successful businessman. His sons, Fred, Jr. and William "Bill" were well prepared to assume leadership. Both had been active in the business since 1927.
After Fred Jr. left the family business to serve as a commander in the US navy the day to day running of the company fell to Bill, but after the death of his brother in 1948, command was again passed to Fred Gretsch, Jr. and the Navy veteran led the company into a new age of prosperity. The age of rock. It was the explosion of the music market begun by Elvis Presley and continued by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and many artists of the day.
In 1967, the Gretsch Manufacturing Company was sold to Baldwin and a then, enterprising young Fred Gretsch vowed to return the company to the family. Eighteen years later, Gretsch became family owned once again. The great-grandson of Friedrich Gretsch made good on his vow and still leads the Gretsch company today.
Some of historys most famous players have made thier name on Gretsch drums, the likes of Louis Bellson, Art Blakey, Elvin Jones, "Philly" Joe Jones, Max Roach, Chick Webb and of course Charlie Watts.Today the list of drummers playing Gretsch contains some of the industry's leading names; people like Vinnie Colaiuta, Phil Collins, Steve Ferrone, Taylor Hawkins, Stanton Moore, Brad Wilk & Linkin Park's Rob Bourdon to name but a few.
Gretsch G-4000 Metal Series
The G-4000 Series snare drums build on the previous Classic 4160 Metal Series snares by broadening the size spectrum, and offering a spun brass shell. All snare drums feature Ligtning throw-off, top and bottom die-cast hoops, center knurl pattern 'Snap-In' key holder, classic Gretsch 'Drop G' octagon badge, Permaone coated top/clear bottom heads and 42-Strand snare wire (24 wires on 13" drums). Shell options include Chrome over Brass, Solid Aluminum, Solid Steel, Hammered Chrome over Brass, Hammered Copper and Spun Brass.
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