Gretsch Drums 6.5 x 14 New Classic Maple Snare Drum Burgandy, from Gretsch Drums

Let me begin with aesthetics.  This drum is simply beautiful.  The sparkle finish is just the right amount of red without trying to seem too cheap looking or cheesy.  The lugs are all tight and smooth tuning, and the throw-off runs smoothly and offers a broad range of settings. 

Sound-wise, this drum performs beautifully at a range of tunings.  It’s 10 ply maple shell will give you a higher pitch sound than you’d expect from a typical 6.5” deep snare, which I personally loved.  With a single ply head, there are quite a bit of overtones, which I found useful when ghost notes are played.  If that’s not your thing, a two-ply head, or just any simple muffling device will take them out.  I’d say leave them in, they’re very musical. 

This drum will cut too.  Die cast hoops provide some pretty punchy rim shots, but the drum still maintains quite a bit of sensitivity.  It’s a really great all around snare!

Matching wood snare drums for the New Classic Series. Features include: 10-ply, 10mm Gretsch-formula maple shells, Die-cast hoops, 30-degree bearing edges with slight rounded outside edge, silver Sealer interiors, 10 low-mass tube lugs, side-pull throw with adjustable butt plate.