Gretsch Bell Brass Shell Snare Drum - Drummer's Review

[@above-us-only-sky]

Literally just bought one of these used here in Nashville from a fairly famous producer. He paid 900. I got it for 600 and he threw in some COB hoops. I used to have a prototype DW 7x14 cast bronze. I can’t believe I ever sold it. I also can’t believe I just bought this rare and out of production snare, and this morning the first thing on my feed was this video!!

[@VanMoon]

You must be a drummer...your timing is impeccable!😆

[@sammbobdylan]

It's amazing how our decisions both good and bad lead to serendipitous events. I'm jealous you got one of these. I could never afford one. Respect. S

[@DrGray_Drummer]

The "out of production" is the cherry, and brass sound incredible! Unlike Bubinga, brass is a common compound. Once Bubinga hit CITES, I've been stocked up on thoes (kits, and snares). It's nice to have variety, especially when recording. I still always find myself going back to Ludwig Sura 6.5x14 as my #1

[@Assimilator702]

Toast Tee How many Bubinga kits did you buy? Which snares? I grabbed a Bubinga Elite 14 x 6.5 and a Bubinga Elite 22 x 18 both in the same Metallic Gold Band finish. The bass drum didn’t cost me much more than the snare but I did get a hard case with it so it was a killer deal. Now I want a 5 piece to make a kit. Those SLP G Bubinga snares are still common so I might grab a second. I knew this would happen when all African Rosewoods hit CITES in early 2017. I have a nice 6 FT x 2” slab of Bubinga I plan on making a few stave snares and maybe a tom if I cut carefully. My neighbor dismantled the interior of a Yacht for someone and the entire thing was finished in Bubinga including the deck. Plus he got all the leftovers the guy had. He already gave me two 18” x 5” boards for identification and he said there’s dozens upon dozens of boards he can’t use so I’m getting it all. He just wants to make one table and said he doesn’t want any more since it is tough on saw blades and router bits. And he thinks he might be allergic to it after cutting a few boards. That’s about 2 complete 6 or 7 piece stave kits by my estimates. Apparently the guy is loaded and spent thousands when he ordered the wood maybe 8 years ago from a lumber house. He had to wait months for it so it might all be from the same tree. You ever see pics of dozens of Bubinga trees being burned in Africa after they were illegally cut down by poachers? Very sad sight.

[@deaterk]

Dustin - here we are about a year after your post (according to YT) how is the snare you purchased? I’m considering pulling the trigger on one of these (but it’s a fairly substantial purchase) & am interested in a gigging drummers perspective.

[@MustakimAlMahdi]

The quality of reviews is so good on this channel. I wish they expanded to guitar and audio gear reviews as well.

[@DrummersReview]

Polemicist Contrarian hi, we have a site www.acousticreview.co.uk and we recently launched www.bassguitarreview.co.uk same team different presenters.. best wishes and thanks for watching, DR

[@JonasSchuetzDrums]

I own a Tama Warlord Bell Brass 14x6" and I have to say that it's one of the most powerful Snares in my collection! I love recording Rock and Metal with it in the studio. I'm also super happy that I was able to find one as well, they are pretty rare these days. As for your channel, your content and the effort that you put into your videos is really outstanding! It gives an honest and in depth look and opinion into drums, hardware etc. which is awesome! Keep up the great work! :)

[@jove1155]

I own one and love it. Mine is even the same one featured here, the old one with one set of hardware in the middle, Gretsch updated the look to have top and bottom hardware a while back.

[@ChrisHornbrookDrums]

I own the newer version of this snare and have been exclusively using it on all my studio recordings since 2019. Gretsch totally crushes it.

[@e-percussion9763]

Sure its common knowledge, but who is that wonderful drummer who does all the demos? Seeing the modern trend for attempting drum riffs on a tablet, seeing a true master in many of your videos is a continuing treat!

[@meekoloco]

E-Percussion Highly agree!

[@Alex-yk9dy]

Can you guys please review the Ludwig Keystone X pro beat she'll pack. Your reviews are genuine unlike most channels who just talk about the good qualities and not the bad, so a review on this kit would definitely help me decide on what to purchase!

[@aparker507]

I had one of these for a while and absolutely loved it. I've now got a 6mm Drumcraft bell brass. Excellent review!

[@joseuran3003]

Hi Adam do you prefer the 8 series over this?

[@aparker507]

@@joseuran3003 it's a very tough call. I may would go with the gretsch

[@kiiiedxplorer]

Wow. That snear sound is amazing.

[@jerrymiller8129]

Gretsch snare drums are the best snare drums on the planet. Totally blowing Ludwig out. Been listening for years and can't seem to change my mind.

[@Rockin_Ross]

I got to play a Tama bell brass snare in a studio session one year and to say that snare was loud is an understatement. I’m sure this one is no different. While I’m down with loud, power drums one has to know what’s needed for the music. This snare will just about do it all, but won’t do it all. It is an investment of sorts and you’ll pass this done to your grandkids for sure.

[@junkawakami3193]

Bell Brass is the shit, no wonder why metal drummers love working with them

[@goldenageofdinosaurs7192]

Whooo, that CUT! I’d love to get my hands on one of these.

[@jonathanmillar]

I adore bell brass snares - if only I could afford one! There's little that can compare to the tone

[@davidshaw4574]

Stellar presentation as always Nolly and co:) - Curious as to the lug pitches you chose when tuning this beast of a snare, particularly the low and medium tunings in the demo?

[@ilmatteot]

I ve the same snare. Is all around snare, not just for heavy hitters, is great with brushes, rute etc... superb drum!!

[@zenoncastro1809]

That medium tuning with the snares off 👌🏽

[@PJJTremblay]

Just bought one used on Ebay for $700 usd ... stunning snare ... love it ...

[@brandonmclendon5368]

This has been a favorite snare of mine, and I can’t wait to get my hands on one in the future.

[@drummerdude9832]

I would like to hear/see you compare his Gretsch Bell Brass with a DW.

[@EHiggins]

I have the Gretsch Hammered COB of the same size it goes well with my oAk Custom kit. For all the reasons you mentioned its super sensitive and responsive then you lay into it with a rim shot and crack is epic. Thanks guys!

[@Assimilator702]

I acquired the current version of this snare. Once the butt plate is replaced with a Tama Linear strainer the snare is amazing. Luckily the holes are very close so no mids are necessary. The Lightning Strainer will require an adapter. Changing wires with the Gretch stock pieces is a NIGHTMARE.

[@JakeStaffin]

Sounds fantastic!! I would love to know how it compares to the Gretsch USA Custom series Brass snare (the $1000 you mentioned) and the Full Range series Hammered Brass snare which is a bit cheaper. Gretsch always makes great stuff!!

[@NEALBABBITT]

I like this one better than most other bell brass snares. It seems smoother and less choked, it might be due to that strainer, which is the style I prefer.

[@sammbobdylan]

Hey Nolly, a question for you. This will test your memory. I've just bought a Mapex Armory Studioease in Desert Dune. Literally the same model and everything that you did a review on last year. The vid impressed me that much, I bought 1. Question is, what was all your toms tuning? Respect. S

[@orgonestudios5254]

Saw this video and just bought the exact same one as there was on Ebay. I have a bell brass that I would love you to try one day. 14x7, 3mm, COB Pork Pie. Original hardware was replaced by Gary Noonan using his solid brass lugs. Great drum. Big fan of you production work Nolly (though very different style to mine :). hopefully meet you some day. And thanks for these reviews, they're awesome. Cheers, Jaime Gomez (Orgone Studios).

[@adamnollygetgood]

Hey Jamie - cool of you to comment, it'd be great to hang out and I'd be well up for trying that Pork Pie snare!

[@orgonestudios5254]

@@adamnollygetgood Cool of you to reply :) How do we get in touch? Sent you a request on FB, if not you can email me through the studio's website. I hope all is well!

[@markrushton1516]

The original Tama was cast are these? I thought Black album was a Black Beauty. Just checked, yes these are cast.

[@drumphil1879]

Try the Evans HD Dry head with this drum...It's so great for recording and overtones are at a minimum at medium tunings. Great drum!

[@BergsDrum]

I'd like to see them do a review on pearls reference brass snare.

[@mattbennett9467]

Another excellent review, thank you guys. Closest thing I ever actually owned was a Pearl brass free floater. Wonderful sound and ridiculously loud (good enough to be a favourite of Omar Hakim over the years). I got rid of it though, because it literally wore me out over the course of a gig, such was its sharp tone and volume. I just couldnt hack it! Ive used the maple free floater for the past decade, more suited to my soft-lad ears!

[@johnbertasius2612]

Great sound and looks good too.

[@cbaum64]

I was already itching to get my hands on a cast-shell snare and now this and DCP’s video from yesterday are reeeeally pushing me...

[@roybeckerman9253]

Tuned high, it has the best crack, since a junkies convention.

[@kintaro_f]

Prof. Dr. Beat Scientist 🥁🤘👽

[@kintaro_f]

I think I just found my snare. I mean the snare sound that I like. This or SJC Aluminium? For Pop Punk mostly. But also classic Foo Fighters sound.. It's a hard decision.

[@petetherock9900]

Nice drum sound. I have Sonor Phil Rudd Bras. The best snare drum in The World.

[@roybeckerman9253]

Great on high....but the price 😳 Gretsch COB better value.

[@osnad]

Mapex Nomad, pleeease, for the love of Ggd!

[@roybeckerman9253]

Beautiful...but expensive.

[@MikeLuke]

Use that snare, boost some dB at 150-200 Hz, some at 5KHz, followed by a compressor with medium to slow attack and medium to fast release. Finally, a touch of saturation (15-20%). Thank me later ;)

[@drummerdude9832]

Molto Buona!

[@teacher5376]

Hi.i see.i enjoyed. In Asia's. Only low cost of snare drums, are selling fast.( too many children's, wants a drums, to plays with ...

[@junkawakami3193]

Ah yes, Modern AND MASSIVE

[@scottlowell493]

One of the few snares that can't not be musical.

[@TeslaNick2]

That Remo head sounds horrible. Amazing snare sound, but that head ruins it (IMO). WTF Nolly ?