

When you are fortunate enough to work with the drummer who has performed with such a wide range of artists such as Steely Dan, Toto, Wayne Krantz, James Taylor, Tal Wilkenfeld, John Mayer, Sting, Chris Botti, and many more…why wouldn’t you want to develop a snare drum with him? His rhythmic expression behind the drum set is so musical and so inspiring to many musicians across the globe, Gretsch Drums considers it an honor to proudly introduce the Keith Carlock Signature Snare Drum.
Keith’s always been an admirer of brass shell snare drums but those that have a more visually aged or fatigued look to them. One key requirement that Keith had for the drum: a wide range of sound applications to meet the varied demands of studio work. So that’s where we started.
The drum's foundation is a 5.5x14” 2mm Vintage Patina brass shell. Capturing the “antique” look throughout the shell, a unique aging compound was developed at the Gretsch factory in Ridgeland, South Carolina. To increase the dynamics and pitch range, Keith preferred the 20-strand snare wire vs. the 42-strand. And he opted for a standard Permatone drumhead rather than our Permatone Control Sound.
Additional features include 45 degree bearing edges, 4mm Die Cast hoops and our classic Lightning throw off. Each snare has an inside identification label specifying the year of production and each is signed by Keith himself.
“This isn’t just another snare drum. It’s unique in so many ways. The ingredients and specifications that we came up with to create the look, the feel, and the sound are just incredible. You have to check this one out!”


Drum Phenom Gergo Borlai and Gretsch teamed up to develop a very unique addition to the USA metal snare collection. Together, they created what Gergo describes as a “sensitive, multifunctional, loud, and limitless” snare drum.
The key elements included a 4.25x14” 1.2mm brass shell, 45 degree bearing edges, 20-strand snare wires and 4mm Die Cast hoops, making this instrument one of the more distinctive in the Gretsch snare drum assortment. The shell’s surface is finished with an applied sand blast texture for a unique look and tighter overall sound.
A Lightning throw-off™, Gretsch Permatone® Control Sound head by Remo USA® and an inside identification label specifies the year of production and is signed by Gergo Borlai rounds off this one-of-a-kind snare drum.

The versatile, mic-friendly sound of copper finished in a stealthy black powder coat. Each drum begins with a thin 1mm copper shell with integrated bearing edges and snare beds. The painted interior and exterior adds just the right amount of control to augment the sonic character of the drum. The finishing touch is a laser engraved round badge logo which exposed the copper beneath.
A Lightning Throw-Off™, 42-Strand snare wires, die-cast hoops and Snap-In™ key holder round-out this beauty.

VINNIE COLAIUTA SIGNATURE SNARES
Legendary Gretsch Artist Vinnie Colaiuta was determined to find primary and secondary snare drums with the versatility to meet his needs both on stage and in-studio. Working closely with the craftsmen at the Gretsch USA Factory in Ridgeland, South Carolina, they produced two incredible signature snares with all of the sonic characteristics that Vinnie had been looking for.
Vinnie’s primary snare, the 5" × 14", has extensive dynamic range with incredible body and remarkable sensitivity. The 4" × 12" auxiliary snare is ultra-loud when laid into with a rimshot. The drums are finished in a distinctive Cobalt Blue to compliment the Gretsch USA Custom kit used on the Sting/Peter Gabriel “Rock, Paper, Scissors” World Tour.
Both drums feature Gretsch USA’s 6-ply North American Maple Gum Shells with Silver Sealer interiors, 4mm die cast hoops and Vinnie Colaiuta Signature Gretsch Badges.
STEVE FERRONE SIGNATURE SNARE
6½ x 14" GAS6514-SF
World-class Gretsch Artist, Steve Ferrone’s all-new signature snare drum starts with the coveted Gretsch 3-ply Broadkaster shell and the unique “302” hoop that, when combined, deliver “That Great Gretsch Sound” that Steve has relied on for decades. When tuned loose and dampened a bit with its built-in tone control, the drum releases dark and downright dirty backbeat. Tune it up and you’ll get a tight and razor-sharp pinpointed attack. Each drum is serialized and hand-signed by Steve.

USA CUSTOM SNARES
An extension of our legendary USA Custom line, our wood snares offer a time-tested blend of sensitivity, tone and classic feel. You choose your size, finish, and hardware options. All USA finishes are available.
MAPLE/GUM
- 6-ply Gretsch Formula Maple/Gum shell
- 30-degree edges
- Die Cast hoops, Silver Sealer interior
- Hand rubbed Nitro Cellulose lacquer or Nitron finishes
-'Permatone’ Drum Heads
- Custom hardware options: Throw off, snare wires, vintage build, ‘Snap-In” key holder, your choice of 20 or 42-Strand steel snare wires.
*Due to random grain patterns and color disparities in natural maple, drums may vary slightly in appearance. Add-on drums are most susceptible to these inconsistencies.

Offering a wide array of sonics- the USA Metal series cover all ends of the spectrum. All snares come standard with our Lighting throw off, die cast hoops, center knurl pattern, and our snap-in key holder. Choose from 8 different metals to personalize your sound.
CHROME OVER BRASS (G4160, G4164, G4168)
The Gretsch classic- Crisp, powerful attack that always manages to find its own space in the overall mix. By chrome plating our brass shell, the high end of the drum is accentuated, making for a very controlled snap- this property carries across all 3 sizes. Additional features include Lightning throw-off, die-cast hoops, 'Snap-In' key holder and 42-Strand snare wire (20-strands on 13" snare).
HAMMERED CHROME OVER BRASS (G4160HB, G4164HB, G4168HB)
The Hammered Chrome over Brass snare drum features a large-hammered shell to produce a very distinctive, albeit slightly drier sound than our standard Chrome over Brass snare shell. Additional features include Lightning throw-off, 'Snap-In' key holder and 42-Strand snare wire (20-strands on 13" snare).
SOLID STEEL (G4160SS, G4164SS)
Power, versatility, definition, sensitivity... It’s all here. 3mm reinforced solid steel shells with 45-degree bearing edges. Finished in a deep Black Chrome with 10 classic lugs, additional features include a Lightning throw-off, die-cast hoops, 'Snap-In' key holder, center shell Gretsch knurled pattern and 42-Strand snare wire.
PHOSPHORUS BRONZE (G4160PB, G4164PB, G4168PB)
When you absolutely have to destroy every 2 and 4 in the room- this is the heaviest drum we make- both in actual weight and in the sound it produces. A 5mm shell with a 45-degree bearing edge is at the core, providing projection and clarity like no other. Additional features include Lightning throw-off, die-cast hoops, 'Snap-In' key holder, and 42-Strand snare wire (20-strands on 13" drums).
SOLID ALUMINUM (G4160SA, G4164SA, G4168SA)
Aluminum shells are known for their dry, focused attack with minimal overtones. The cast 3mm reinforced shell takes those tonal properties to another level. Shell exteriors have the classic center Gretsch knurling pattern, are not plated and are finished with a light coat of lacquer. Additional features include Lightning throw-off, top and bottom die-cast hoops, 'Snap-In' key holder and 42-Strand snare wire (20-strands on 13" drums).
BELL BRASS (G4169BBR)
G4169BBR
Bell brass snare drums are sought after for their smooth, pure timbre and controlled overtones, not to mention their powerful cut. The Gretsch 3.0mm cast bell brass shell shares the warm characteristics of wood with the powerful cut of a metal drum. Additional features include Lightning throw-off, die cast hoops, ‘Snap-In’ key holder and 42-Strand snare wire.
BRONZE (G4160B, G4169B)
Sonically between a brass and copper shell, bronze is a very musical metal, as shown by its use in cymbal making for years. Bronze snares are somewhat darker than their brass counterparts, but still have a clear, defined high end and great stick articulation. The 1mm polished Bronze shell also comes with our Micro-Sensitive throw, 42-Strand snare wires, die cast hoops and a ‘Snap-In’ key holder.

(G5-5514SSM, G5-6514SSM,)
Our Maple single-ply wood snare drums are USA made in our Ridgeland, SC facility and include 30-degree bearing edges, die-cast hoops, 42-strand snare wires and coated Permatone batter head with underside dot. All models are available in either Lightning or Micro-sensitive throw-off or Butt plate. The shells are finished in clear Nitro Cellulose gloss lacquer and is available in any color from the USA palette.
*Due to random grain patterns and color disparities in natural maple, drums may vary slightly in appearance. Add-on drums are most susceptible to these inconsistencies.

The Brooklyn series brings classic tone, versatility and great value- all from the Ridgeland, SC factory. The ‘Brooklyn’ series adds our ‘302’ hoops to brass and steel shells, which opens the tonal range of the shell, making for some of the most versatile snares we’ve ever made.
BROOKLYN STANDARD
When Mike Johnston contacted Gretsch about developing a new snare drum concept, he was very specific about what he wanted it to accomplish. It needed to be extremely versatile in every way. It had to possess a wide dynamic range, and excel in all playing situations across a wide variety of tunings. Lastly, it needs to live up to the look and heritage of Gretsch Drums. Question was, could it also be accessible to students and players who are ready to step up to their very first pro-grade snare drum. After 9 months of prototyping, feedback, and thorough evaluation, the Brooklyn Standard™ was born.
Every specification is purposeful in the way it affects sound, dynamics and playability of the drum. The combination of a 5.5x14 Brooklyn formula shell, double 45 degree bearing edges, batter side tone control, 42-strand snare wires and 302 hoops make this drum a must-have for any serious snare collection.
The drum is finished in Satin Black Metallic with a Silver Sealer™ interior, then accented with Gretsch tube lugs, Lightning throw-off™ and Gretsch Permatone® heads by Remo USA® An inside identification label specifies the year of production and is signed by Mike Johnston.
STRAIGHT SATIN
Brooklyn Straight Satin™ snare drums are pure Gretsch. Made using time-tested production techniques at the Ridgeland factory, Straight Satin snare drums preserve the true color and texture of the natural outer maple veneer. This is a neutral looking snare drum that will complement any color drum kit.
BROOKLYN WOOD SNARES
*Due to random grain patterns and color disparities in natural maple, drums may vary slightly in appearance. Add-on drums are most susceptible to these inconsistencies.
NITRON
SATIN
The Brooklyn 6-ply Maple/Poplar brings gives you classic snare tone with a distinctive attack. Available in all Brooklyn colors it’s the perfect addition to your Brooklyn kit or to your overall snare collection.
- 6-ply Gretsch Formula Maple/Poplar shell - 30-degree bearing edge
- Silver Sealer interior
- 302 Double Flanged Hoops
- Hand rubbed Nitro Cellulose lacquer or Nitron finishes
- 'Permatone’ Drum Heads
- Custom hardware options: Throw off, batter side tone control, ‘Snap-In” key holder, your choice of 20 or 42-Strand steel snare wires.
Available sizes
5x14 (8 Lug)
5.5x14 (10 Lug)
6.5x14 (10 Lug)