Behind The Drums - The REAL Story of THE ONE - 14X5 Gretsch USA Custom Bronze Snare Drum

[@mikeslessons]

KZbinrs, thanks so much for supporting this channel as long as you have. I'm doing my best to step up the frequency and quality of what bring to y'all. Speaking of quality... super sorry for the audio being out of sync during the part where I'm playing the snares. That's not Gretsch's fault, I must have shifted the audio a bit during editing. Apologies to all of you that are as obsessive about details as I am, LOL. Thanks again for everything y'all, what should I film next? Mike J - www.mikeslessons.com

[@rampajarillaga1979]

Do a video on the brushed brass snare you played at PASIC!

[@mikeslessons]

@@rampajarillaga1979 Great shout! That thing is such a hidden gem. So affordable and such a killer drum.

[@KenjoMendez]

Would love to see you talk about your switch from your Vater 2451 to the Vic Firths NE1. Along with a new perspective of your switches from Paiste to Meinl and DW to Gretsch. That would be intriguing to watch and hear your thoughts! :)

[@danieljuday9419]

Would live to see a video about your cymbal set up. Maybe show a few of your favorite Meinl Cymbals as well. Thanks for the content Mike always appreciated!

[@mikeevangelista1177]

That Keith Carlock snare you picked up with new Blue🥁🔥!!!!

[@TrackDrums]

I bought a 14” x 6.5” Bronze based on your video. Damn, I must have watched it about 50 times, the sound of the drum is ace.

[@juanbustamante86]

I thought I was in love with wood snares but in the last few weeks been listening to incredible and beautiful metal snares that are completely changing my mind.

[@christopherg9806]

Around 1990, I bought a Gretsch Broadcaster from the early 70's (stop sign logo) for $100 from a crabby old jazz drum named Jack. He made me swear that I'd never play rock music on it... an oath which I violated immediately, since I didn't know how to play anything else. The drum had a slight crease on one side and a bit of tarnish to the chrome. I took it apart about 25 years ago in order to refinish it and never completed the task. This video really encourages me to finish polishing it and get it back together, because it was an amazing sounding snare. Jack died in 2003, but I hope he's in heaven and knows that I'll take care of his old drum.

[@RobertLamontagne-qd8bo]

I just ordered a 14x6.5 Gretsch Bronze snare. I collect snares & have the Same size in the USA Steel snare “ love it” looking forward to receiving it 🥁 Love you style & playing 🙏

[@BouseFeenuxTV]

Bronze snare is my dream snare. Gonna have one some day!

[@neekondrums]

Love the stories, Mike. Gear is certainly fun, but anyone can go buy a new snare because it looks cool. Talking about your emotional connection with the items that have good stories makes them special and meaningful for everyone. Thanks for sharing.

[@mikeslessons]

My friend, that comment just made my day! These videos take so much time and effort to make and sometimes I wonder "does anyone actually want to see this stuff?" So thank you for saying that

[@martijnvanbeek4387]

Totally agree!

[@NikkoNikko98]

@@mikeslessons nah Mike trust there’s definitely ppl that love this content! Thank you!

[@jasongreathouse1827]

@@NikkoNikko98 absolutely. And even a year after it was published.

[@barberjeff67]

Cool story! For a metal shell snare, my choice would be bronze. I played a bronze shell black beauty super sensitive 6.5x14 from 1988 to around 2012. The tone is just right to my ears😊

[@cantthinkanameup]

After playing many high end snares, my “one” has been the 6.5x14 gretsch “bell brass”. I love it, its my baby, theres literally nothing it wont do without sounding like mommas home cookin dude. You hit it and OOOOOOO BOY

[@sogent56]

Love my Tama big brass snare.

[@DrumBeaterGuy]

Always happy to see when someone appreciates drums as more than just gear. Really entertaining story, can't wait for more like it!

[@wadedixon9890]

I love my 89 Ludwig hammered bronze snare. I ordered it with a kit. I will never let any of my snares go. I have everyone I’ve ever purchased with a kit.

[@jwlee1059]

Sounds awesome! And can I say I never get tired of watching you play.

[@robbelk6465]

Fantastic! Fresh chops...that snare too

[@l1nk987]

Love this video! Funnily enough, just yesterday I was at my local music store, I drove my mate there to get his guitar repaired for a gig, we were there for a long time..... I started snooping around, and I stumbled across the stores towers of snare drums, I seen they had a lot of Tamas there and a new series I haven't seen before, I've always been a big fan of the SLP like snares. Anyway, I seen a beautiful snare drum, very affordable from Tama, I played it, tuned it, and bought it, it was the Woodworks Black Oak 8" by 14". It was only yesterday, but I feel I will remember it for years, just the excitement of discovery to ownership with it. Keep doing what you're doing Mike, inspiring to say the least :)

[@weschilton]

Gotta say, it really is a great sounding drum.

[@paradiddle1]

That buzz roll into the hats crash @ 0:26 was absolutely gorgeous. 🧐🧐🧐

[@elithepitbulldog2209]

My ears change, or what I like changes. That’s why I’ve got 30+ snare drums. Definitely going to check out “the one” though👍 Right now the one that’s on my kit is the Gretsch 130th anniversary 6.5 x 14 birds eye maple, with the snap in key holder of course

[@michaelcartwright4628]

Holy crap! I just learned that was a drum key holder. I have my grandfather's 1960s progressive jazz 20/12/14 tangerine kit. I was on earlier and wondered what this bar sticking off the snare was. Literally ran down stairs to confirm it was a drum key. I love that freaking kit

[@bjoernskaer9648]

Love your passion for snare drums. It's kind of addictive, as I know myself.

[@Butterlegs100]

I have this snare, it never leaves my snare stand, I’m a massive fan.

[@MrPeter924]

Very good music song so sound great audio. Drum 🥁. 🔥

[@bonzomio]

Great video, Mike! I was listening to a pod cast once where you and Mike Dawson suggested every drummer should have a wood, aluminum and brass drum. Guess I'll have to add bronze to the list. If I remember correctly Mike D.'s THE ONE is a 6.5 aluminum (LM402), yours is the Gretsch USA Custom Bronze (14 x 5). Carter M.'s is a 6.5 Copperphonic (Really nice drum!). Bill Stewart's is a 6.5 Hammered Bronze. Different strokes for different folks (pun intended). Too bad we don't have an inventory here so I could sample them live. I will be looking a little harder at bronze, though. ..... Peace! Mike in Omaha

[@patrickegal7578]

This has been my favorite snare based on Memphis Drum Shop's demo. Recently went up nearly 50% in price. Offer it in black nickel plating and I'm in.

[@michaelbruhl4425]

...nice story, and so funny !!! Many greetings from Germany.

[@GeloAlcantara]

Never gets old that matcha flavored snare . Lol

[@maximusldude]

Love your work, Mike! I've got the 6.5 version and to be honest, ever since getting it, i dont really feel like using my other snares. Anyways, mad props to you. You are a truly wonderful human being.

[@mikeslessons]

The 6.5 is actually much more versatile than the 5. If I was doing function gigs and session work it would be the 6.5 all DAY!

[@JoelStevenett]

Great story! Beautiful drum! Beautiful playing!!!

[@Juniscrazy]

What’s not to like everyone should just hit the like on all your videos man! You are awesome

[@robertwakefield4960]

Gosh! I love this series!

[@danieljuday9419]

Thanks so much for this Series Mike. Love the education and content you give us all and appreciate it more than I can say brother. I know its ALOT of details and work that go into a 7.5 minute video and appreciate the time, and care you give to the quality of everything you produce. I'll make it to camp one of these years and experience the Matcha Fueled Madness in person!

[@paulgiacalone4471]

Another awesome video Mike . As always the story, how you tell it and your playing….. I have always played a 1971 COB Gretsch and always thought it to be one of the best sounding snares period. I think I may like yours just a tad better. Thanks again for the video.

[@juliechan8626]

You tell the best enthralling stories!!! Loved this one!!! ✔️🖤

[@tdrum21]

Sounds so good

[@alanlydiarddrums6049]

That is a truly awesome story, Mike!

[@TessaAnderson]

This is a wonderful story. The whole time I kept thinking about my favorite snare A&f 7x14 bronze

[@lindacostellodrums]

Love listening to you play!

[@drummermomcjs]

Great storry Mike. I love the sound of that drum. I prefer a tight, punchy sound to my snare and this has that crisp tight punchy sound that I got used to from marching band.

[@ColinWilliamsDrums]

Tasty playing, great story, and I really enjoy this series! Please keep making them, I thoroughly enjoyed the Gretsch kit episode!

[@WALSTIB107]

Great story. Gear is great to geek out on. Gear is a tool. Gear helps you express yourself as an artist. But it should be emotional. Mike, you've used the word "fellowship" for working with/getting inside different grooves. The same is true for our drums and cymbals. Speaking of cymbals...is there anything different re. your setup here vs. your signature cymbal pack? I really love the cymbals you use/the sound you get/the versatility of the cymbals you chose for the pack.

[@mikeslessons]

I couldn't agree more Jason! As for my cymbals, the hats and the cymbal on my left are different - 15" Foundry Reserve Hi Hats & 21" Foundry Reserve Light Ride :)

[@robsco1249]

What do you think about the Worldmax bronze snare?

[@opticalinch]

Bought the 6.5 after watching the original video and love it. What is the difference in sound and sensitivity between the 5 and 6.5? Thanks

[@tillgerke9481]

Super cool video Mike!

[@mattlaceydrummer]

Great story and snare Mike. Love the geeky stuff as well as the anecdotal stuff too. I've never sold any gear ever ( lucky I've never had to) so the emotional attachment thing I really get. Plus, I can relax watching you in these videos as I know I don't have to learn a sticking pattern! 😂See you in Liverpool and Leeds🤘🏼

[@markk7731]

Love Bronze Snares, looking to purchase a pearl sensione or free floater.

[@stevenowilson]

How would you describe the performance differences between the 5 and the 6.5 ?

[@RedDogMamaHD]

OMG! It’s in your studio in Folsom! 😂🤣 Great story! 😘

[@mikeslessons]

LOL! BRO... my heart SANK straight into my distressed skinny jeans 😂🍵🍵😂

[@BaschtiM]

Awesome sounding kit! You use original snare wires?

[@megatruthoverlord1807]

Hey Mike, slightly off topic…but are your hi hats in this video the Meinl Foundry Reserve?

[@mikeslessons]

They are indeed my friend! I'm actually going to do a "Behind The Gear" episode on them in the future because the story behind how I got them is quite funny.

[@megatruthoverlord1807]

@@mikeslessons I have the 15” foundry reserve myself. At first I thought I’d mostly use them for lower volume stuff, but I find myself using them for pretty much everything.

[@lennysmallacombe3467]

Attending your camp May 15 I really can’t wait I just hope I didn’t bite off more than I can chew

[@Sticks0915]

First off that snare sounds amazing! The story made this even better. I mean why would you take one from your collection with you to a testing like that, I wouldn't have LOL. Might have been some good information for your AR rep to share with you BEFORE you went LOL. Have to say I like the lugs on your Brooklyn model better than the ones on the bronze

[@roybeckerman7843]

Are there any issues with the micro sensitive throw offs ..?

[@FernandoCuadro]

hi mike! what's the pedal switch next to your hi-hat pedal for??

[@mikeslessons]

That’s what I use to turn my lav. mic on and off when I’m teaching/live streaming. Hope that helps :)

[@guitaristbiker]

what did you do with the bottom head tuning and wire tension on the bronze snare in your studio? love the sound, response, and sensitivity

[@jeffmarciniak947]

Great Story. All your videos are great. Just purchased the Brooklyn standard Great drum!!! The bronze is on my list. You like the 14x5 better then the 14x6.5? Keep up the great videos

[@Juniscrazy]

Missing the drum key holder on your Brooklyn standard

[@SONORSQ2guy]

Is the 20” your preferred kick sound? Do you like a 22” or 24”?

[@mikeslessons]

20" is my all-time favorite, but keep in mind if it was "the best" they wouldn't make anything else. It's just my favorite flavor of ice cream :)

[@dararqam2233]

How do u mic your drums

[@ShaneMcCosky45]

How’d you do that opening lick/fill at the beginning of this video? 😮

[@mikeslessons]

You mean the first few notes?

[@NelliliebtChemie]

I think it‘s just KKRL between the kick and the floor tom but it‘s played insanely fast

[@ShaneMcCosky45]

@@mikeslessons yes! 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@ShaneMcCosky45]

@@mikeslessons please do a lesson on it! 🤘🏻

[@mikeslessons]

​@@ShaneMcCosky45 Or you could just go to your kit now and give it a spin. It's phrased like a 5 stroke roll and like Jamie said it's just KKRL going into the crash. Here ya go - gscribe.com/share/5G3EFcfpJmnBQ6Yf8

[@miker5233]

Mike is this a production and how much does it cost but your signature is the Brooklyn standard probably the one in the end up getting

[@jimhardiman3836]

Killer snare! Only Gretsch

[@robinbolton6064]

Bronze is " the one " Cannot believe Ludwig discontinued it. So I'm here!!!

[@mikeevangelista1177]

Bro that story is hilarious I could only imagine. Beautiful looking and sounding drum. This is going to be a really cool series thank you 🥁🔥

[@artcorvolet]

alright bro...breakdown that hi hat lick!😂

[@davewills94]

I wish when companies did hear reviews/reveals on drums, they were more involved and personality driven like your stories are. In today’s market, because of how saturated it is, I’d much rather hear a dope story like this about how you got connected with the instrument. Both literally and personally. ^_^

[@toddcooper5781]

Mike that’s one sexy beast. What a true peach would love to own her. Just got a 6.5x14 Handhammered Brass Gretsch Silver. She’s one amazing peach omg…

[@the6ig6adwolf]

Ask and you shall receive good sir. The like button has been hit 👍

[@ZeBubba]

What's with the "Custom" moniker, isn't this the same as a 14X5 USA bronze snare - maybe because you have a prototype? (This is in the EU.) I've had my eyes on this one for a year or so, sounds great here, cheers! Looking for a good crack without too much overtones or low-end. P.S. How might this compare to a brass snare with same-ish dimensions like a black beauty? Cheers!

[@drumsrlife71418]

Can only imagine being locked in a room with prototype snares and being allowed to play them all, I be in heaven lol

[@mikeslessons]

It really was quite cool. We were all putting our ears against the door while Steve Ferone was testing the snares out, lol.

[@drumsrlife71418]

@@mikeslessons lol I would be too

[@drumsrlife71418]

@@mikeslessons I follow your guided hand workout courses, I see improvement but not satisfied where I’m at. My overall technique is slow and especially the left side still lagging behind. Should I concentrate more on just working that side and not incorporate the right hand at this point?

[@andybarrera6766]

We NEED a lesson on that first groove 😭

[@musiqsoundsproductions]

I wonder how it will sound with yamaha's alu hoops.

[@roybeckerman7843]

Love these, but seem to be out of stock in a lot of places. Is bronze harder to get, or getting more expensive. Ludwig is discontinuing their bronze snares.

[@aristotle5698]

I love 14x6.5 but damn does that thing have body, still my favorite Gretsch snare is the aforementioned size, but in “CHROME OVER BWASS”

[@roybeckerman7843]

I wonder how this compares to the TAMA SLP DYNAMIC BRONZE 5.5 “ and PEARL SENSITONE PHOSPHOR BRONZE.5”. Ludwig bronze is a fair bit more expensive..

[@tobiaswinter1358]

More gear videos, please!

[@mikeslessons]

You got it my friend, now quick question... did you watch the whole thing?

[@tobiaswinter1358]

@@mikeslessons Uh, interaction, you're pushing the algorithm ;) Yes I did and I even liked, commented and subscribed as is my duty as a KZbin user.

[@mikeslessons]

@@tobiaswinter1358 LOL! No need for pushing the algorithm on a video like this. My gear videos get almost zero views, but I enjoy making them. The reason I asked is because everyone that asks me to do more rarely watches more than a minute before they're on to the next video, lol. If you watched this whole thing to the end then I shall INEED make more gear videos, even if it's just for you :)

[@tobiaswinter1358]

@@mikeslessons Yeah that's a shame, you mentioned that a couple of weeks ago in the podcast, I think you talked about your vlogs. btw, I enjoy the occasional gear talk there as well, for example about the new bop kit you got from Bryson. And I know you love teaching and there are only a few people who can break down busy fusion fills on video as good as you do, but in the end, it's still another fill video, even if it's super high quality as yours. But I guess that's what the community wants. Imho your production quality really shines when you do longer videos that are not only filmed at your kit, e.g vlogs, equipment etc.

[@kennethjimenez4445]

If you love the drum key holder so much, why isn't it on your signature snare drum?

[@mikeslessons]

To be 100% transparent, I honestly didn’t think about it until the drum was already in production. I was a tad obsessed with sound and getting it to fit what I had in my head that a functional detail like that wasn’t what I was focused on. I ABSOLUTELY wish that I had added it during the design process. Mike J

[@bilhamcobbly2957]

Bronze to me seems very close enough o aluminum.

[@mikeslessons]

Indeed. It's definitely more lively than an Acrolite but less lively than a NOB Black Beauty.

[@mattpaul8936]

Man, the thing is beautiful, huh?

[@martijnvanbeek4387]

Great story: guys, where's the One?:)

[@roybeckerman7843]

The 6.5” would have been a lot heavier to carry as well, after all that..

[@rickyvillalobos4508]

“Not sponsored by Squarespace or Manscaped” 😂

[@sogent56]

All Gretsch snares need the internal mufflers. Imho

[@dndsmith1ify]

Did anybody say crisp?