Gretsch brushed brass snare drums combine the pure sound of a brass shell with a boutique, hand finished appearance. A specialized hand brushing process is used to carefully apply the shell finish; the result is a distinctive two-toned, vintage patina color effect. Since each shell is hand-brushed, no two shells have the exact same appearance.

Specifications include a 1.0 mm thick beaded brass shell, 10 classic Gretsch lugs, 2.3mm triple flanged hoops, adjustable side-pull throw off, and Evans USA drumheads. These features produce classic, full-bodied snare drum tones with a wide tuning range to deliver excellent performances in a wide array of musical settings.

Two models are available:

S-5514-BB

5.5×14 10 Lug Brushed Brass Snare Drum
SHELL: 1.0mm beaded brass
HOOPS: 2mm triple flanged
THROW-OFF: Adjustable side-pull throw-off with die-cast butt plate
SNARE WIRES: 20-strand coated steel snare wires with brass end plates
HARDWARE: Chrome
LUGS: Classic Gretsch Style
HEADS: Evans G1 coated / Hazy 300 snare side

S-6514-BB

S-6514-BB

6.5×14 10 Lug Brushed Brass Snare Drum
SHELL: 1.0mm beaded brass
HOOPS: 2mm triple flanged
THROW-OFF: Adjustable side-pull throw-off with die-cast butt plate
SNARE WIRES: 20-strand coated steel snare wires with brass end plates
HARDWARE: Chrome
LUGS: Classic Gretsch Style
HEADS: Evans G1 coated / Hazy 300 snare side

For additional information and to purchase a Gretsch Brushed Brass Snare, visit the Gretschdrums website.

This year Bigsby Vibratos worked in cooperation with the Warwick and Framus companies and set up shop at their booth.  In addition to showcasing the Bigsby vibrato line, product specialist Adam Seutter kept very busy conducting twice-daily installation demonstrations and answering attendee questions.

Framus Panthera with Bigsby

Guitars that received special Bigsby installations courtesy of Adam included the Framus Panthera and Mayfield models.

For all things Bigsby as well as a post-Messe report and pictures, please visit Bigsby.com.

Other Sights and Sounds at Messe:

Gretsch drummer Mark Schulman participated as part of the Fender Rock Trio along with Greg Koch and Roscoe Beck and gave standing-room-only daily performances on the Agora Stage.

GuitarPoint Vintage Instruments brought along a beautiful 1955 Gretsch Roundup to display at the International Vintage Show. A very nice example to be appreciated by all, not just vintage guitar collectors.

1955 Gretsch Roundup

Gretsch Brushed Brass Snare

And Gretsch Drums released a new Brushed Brass Snare combining the sound of a brass shell with the look and feel of a hand-finished shell.  Due to the hand-brushing process, no two shells are identical.

Bigsby Display Looking Good

Gretsch USA Brooklyn Kit

Tower of Gretsch Drums

And Here’s Some Photos of Dinah, Fred, and Friends (Old and New).

Dinah & Fred with Messe thumbpicking enthusiast Roger, a regular visitor. Nice t-shirt too!

The GuitarPoint Germany family photo: Detlef, Fred, Petra, Wolfgang, & Karolin.

Fred and Mark Schulman

Musikmesse 2012 is now in the history books.  It was another great trade show for Gretsch Guitars, Drums, and Bigsby Vibratos.  We look forward to being back in Frankfurt in 2013.