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NEWS
PRESS RELEASES
January 21, 2009
GRETSCH INTRODUCES G-5000 SOLID SERIES SNARE DRUMS


Gretsch G5000 Solid Walnut Snare

For the first time in recent memory (possibly as far back as 1927, when Gretsch introduced the first-ever multi-ply laminate drum shell in the industry), Gretsch will offer single-ply wood snare drums. Gretsch’s G-5000 Solid Series feature a single-ply, solid snare drum and are available in either solid maple or solid walnut. Each shell includes solid maple reinforcement hoops to ensure true shell roundness, and shells are finished in clear Nitro Cellulose gloss lacquer. Handcrafted in Gretsch’s Ridgeland, SC Custom Drum Shop G-5000 Solid snares include 30-degree bearing edges, die-cast hoops, 20-strand snare wires and coated Permatone batter head with underside dot. All models are available in either Lightning or Dunnett throw-off and butt plate.

G-5000 Solid Maple snare drums offer the ultimate in tonal balance with deep mid-range warmth and a bright and clear high-end. Features include a solid maple shell, “DropG” badge, 30-degree edge in natural Nitro Cellulose gloss finish. Available w/Lightning or Dunnett throw off & butt plate.

Available Models and MSRPs:
G5-5514SSM G-5000 Solid Maple 5.5x14 10-lug Snare $1875
G5-0613SSM G-5000 Solid Maple 6x13 6-lug Snare $1740

G-5000 Solid Walnut snares offer a darker timbre, but still project plenty of attack. Features include a Solid walnut shell, drop "G" badge, 30-degree edge in natural Nitro Cellulose gloss finish. Available w/Lightning or Dunnett throw off & butt plate.

Available Models and MSRPs:
G5-0713SSW G-5000 Solid Walnut 7 x 13 6-lug Snare $1750
G5-6514SSW G-5000 Solid Walnut 6.5x14 10-lug Snare $1810

FRED GRETSCH PERSPECTIVE


As direct 4th generation Gretsch family descendant, and with over 40 years of diverse music industry leadership, Fred W. Gretsch has cultivated a singularly unique perspective and vision. Here, Fred shares his rich and varied experiences, including his involvement with current activities as well as personal reflections.

December 15, 2009
Not Fade Away


A few days ago I happened to hear one of The Rolling Stones’ early hits: the Buddy Holly classic “Not Fade Away.” Besides making me appreciate, as always, the great drumming of long-time Gretsch endorser Charlie Watts, that song, and its title, brought to mind a question that drummers have asked me many times over the years: "Why do some drum finishes fade or lose color over time, and what can be done about it?"

At Gretsch, we take great pride in the beautiful lacquer finishes on our drums. We think our unique nitrocellulose covered finishes are pretty nifty, too. So it's just as important to us that those finishes look good for many years as it is to the drummers who own the kits.

The single biggest cause of drum-finish “fade” is light—specifically, ultra-violet rays. That’s right: The same rays that can give you a nasty sunburn can make a drum's finish lose its color over time.

Additional culprits include environmental agents like cigarette smoke and the kitchen fumes common in clubs that serve food. Not only do these agents settle on drums and create a dulling film, they also contain chemicals that can penetrate a finish and bleach out its color. Fortunately, many clubs and other performance venues have become smoke-free in recent years. But a lot of drumkits spent long hours in smoke-filled rooms before this environmental advancement took place.

Once a finish has faded, it's virtually impossible to bring it back to its original condition. So prevention is the best course. Fortunately, it's also very easy. You just need to protect your drums from the fading effect of UV rays and environmental agents.

This can be accomplished by covering your drums with a cloth sheet or dropcloth when they're set up, and casing or bagging them up when they're not. And this doesn't just apply to gigging situations. You’d be surprised how many drums have “fade spots” on one side from being set up or stacked near a window at home!

Take these simple precautions, and your Gretsch drums should retain their beautiful appearance for many years to come.

ARTIST NEWS
February 02, 2010
NAMM 2010


It was a busy show for Gretsch drums! Check out our video section to listen to our various Gretsch artist interviews!

Here are a few of the artists that stopped by to say hello!

© 2009 KMC Music Inc., All Rights Reserved Created by Mineral, LLC

As part of our commitment to improve design and quality of our instruments, Gretsch Drums reserves the right to change pricing and specifications without notice.

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