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.

6.5x14 USA Custom Black Copper Snare Drum - G4164BC

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

5" × 14" GAS0514-VC

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.

 

 

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.