Gretsch USA Solid Metal | 4 Snare Drums Compared!

[@Imaddrums]

The solid aluminum is hands down my favorite snare of all time. That thing is a beauty and can be used in ANY genre. It is worth every penny

[@steevidrums]

Holy Christ, all these drums sound bloody amazing!

[@todddrake1723]

I came in to this video expecting to like the bell brass most, but walked away in love with that solid steel!

[@AlecFloyd-se8de]

I have the solid steel, and it’s my favorite snare I’ve ever owned or played

[@jasonrobelia8829]

Same here but I'm not surprised I've always like high end steal drums. Steal gets a bad rap because of crappy budget drums.

[@bradanderson1802]

LOL Tony! The intro was "Explosive" and hilarious.. I want one of each.. I love the Solid Steel and the Phosphor Bronze.

[@Sundaydrumday]

Intro was perfect!! lmao Tony I really enjoyed your playing , sounding good my man!

[@drumcenternh]

🤘

[@ericpr0278]

I own a bell brass already... but now I think I need that aluminum snare

[@joc8]

Loved them all, but after the head to head, the steel was my favourite. Thanks guys, another great video, look forward to the next!

[@drumcenternh]

Thank you Joanne and the head to head doesn't lie!

[@robertlamontagne3843]

Just bought my 1st Gretsch 14x6.5 USA Steel. The tone/ articulation/ volume/ feel is like no other. Can play anything with this snare. Great playing & inspiration. Thank you Shane & Tony 🥁

[@drumcenternh]

Such an amazing drum, congrats and enjoy it!

[@MatthewVlossak]

Bought the USA Aluminum from you guys last year and it is by far one of my favorite snares!

[@drumcenternh]

Awesome, so glad you are still loving it!

[@bretonwescott5983]

I own both the Solid Steel and Aluminum models, just incredible articulation and power!

[@Timotolas]

This is a signal!, I ordered the bell brass a week ago 🙂🙂🙂 thanks for the video and all the good content!

[@nairnodrums]

Gretsch Bell brass has my type of sound. Smooth all round tone. Also really like the Aluminium, too.

[@dancalabrese3523]

I've never owned a Gretsch metal snare drum. Coming out to Portsmouth in early June for my birthday and my wife keeps asking me what I want for my birthday. I think the answer is one of these four snares. They all sounded amazing, but like Tony, that steel drum is the direction I'm leaning. Great video and looking forward to seeing you guys in June.

[@tinterlande]

That solid steel is a special drum Dan! Heck, they all are. See you soon!

[@rippindrummer666]

I have a pearl Joey jordison snare, a Tama g bubinga, makes predator copper, but I love my 2 Gretsch snares the most(usa custom bronze and usa custom chrome over brass)…Gretsch snares are so underrated

[@dancalabrese3523]

From the Gretsch snare drums I hear on the DCP videos I agree with you.

[@davidwainer6566]

Great content as always! I loved the head to head - that's always an awesome way to really understand the character of each drum. Thanks Tony and DCP for these fantastic videos!

[@amirbendayan376]

Wonderful snare drums and great video! Played all of them back to back and my favorite is the solid steel, which is why I own one 😎 A magical drum for sure

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks so much Amir and yes, great drum!

[@davidsweet7230]

Great video. I'd have to go with the aluminum.

[@brandonmclendon5368]

It’s a hard choice between the Bell Brass and Aluminum. They have that punch I look for in a snare, and they both sound amazing.

[@Assimilator702]

Go for the aluminum. The Gretch BB is not bronze but brass and isn’t seamless but welded with a HIDDEN seam. It’s a great drum but you won’t have a true seamless CAST BRONZE drum if that’s what you’re looking for.

[@tommyleeroth818]

@@Assimilator702 You sure about that? They made a couple of bell brass snares…the USA Custom is the latest one and the one in this video which I own. I’m pretty sure it’s cast and that’s how they advertise it. I can’t find a seam anywhere. I believe they also make one that is 3mm thick but is rolled. Could that be the one you’re talking about? Thanks.

[@Romans219]

​@@Assimilator702 I agree with you! I have the Tama starphonic 6x5 bell brass snare and it's much better than any other bell brass snare drum. The aluminum is my favorite on this video.

[@Assimilator702]

@@tommyleeroth818 I’m 100% positive. Not one of those Gretch snares is cast like a true cast shell. They’re all rolled and welded from thick slabs of metal. The seams are well hidden which allows Gretch to be deceptive and fool people into believing they’re seamless shells. Ask the right people and you get the answers.

[@gaetanclybouw]

⁠@@Assimilator702 You claim these Solid Shells are welded but yet you can’t find the seam because it’s “well hidden”. I guess that makes Gretsch Houdini 😂

[@dumdumbrown4225]

Wonderful video - the zoom-out of you sleeping with those aluminium snares was epic 😂 …to be fair, all those are amazing snares - the Bell Brass’s clean and classy (to me) sound won my heart - I already have one I got brand new after banging around on a display Gretsch at an expo, it believe it or not haven’t played it yet because I’m still tripping out exploring my Ludwig Supralite and Sonor AQ2 snare drums…!

[@artcorvolet]

I’ve owned all but the phosphorus, all killer drums!

[@lancevaughan5814]

Good morning from Biloxi beach. thanks again for another great video.

[@stromghouls]

solid aluminum is my favorite. at high tuning it has more bite and meatier sound.

[@fabiocacchioli9074]

I've played the solid aluminium (I'm British) in my local drum store in London and i loved it. A great snare drum. 😎🤘🏻

[@michaeleuefueno3517]

Hi Tony and DCP. the Solid Aluminium snare is the winner . Wow. Great Video. Thank You. 👍😎🎉🥁

[@Trentstone121]

I've got the solid steel snare thanks to Barrett suggesting it a couple years ago when I ordered a set from you guys. I love that snare! I was new to drums and didn't know what to get, but you guys were awesome!

[@TonyT007]

They all sound great !!!

[@drumcenternh]

Totally agree Tony!

[@tommyleeroth818]

I bought the bell brass from you guys after your comparison video to the 1980 tama bell brass. I thought it got the closest with the phosphor bronze being next. For me it was a little tricky with head choice and tuning to hit the sweet spot for me (I don’t like metal drums tuned too high) but once I got it oh my. Power, body, fat, tone, crack for days…and very close to recordings I’ve heard of the tama. It records crazy good. That said I really liked that steel drum. It’s different enough I could see owning both. Thank you…great video!

[@roberttaylor6374]

I just got a gregg keplinger 14x7 stainless steel wow...great drum..and from portsmouth drumshop...now getting bronze gretsch

[@rrrw.01]

I’m gonna have to agree! Solid steel was a cut above for me personally, especially when it came to the head to head. Really surprised as I assumed I’d be in love with the BB or Phosphor Bronze. Magnificent video!

[@drumandstage]

I had all but the Phosphorous Bronze and really wanted it, but never did pull the trigger. I had the Solid Steel in 5x14 about 15 years ago and liked it so much that I bought another one when I went on my Gretsch kick a while back. Both of them had a quality to the sound that I characterize as 'cinnamon'. There is something unique in the sound that I just can't describe any better than that. I also had the 6.5" Bell Brass. It had a brightness on the top end but there was also plenty of body to it as well. Almost a contradiction to itself. Very impressive snare drum. I had a 5x14 Aluminum and it was really dry and articulate. I wanted a little more body and got another one in 6.5 inch. It too, was dry and articulate and as expected, it was a little meatier. All of the cast drums I had were versatile, responsive and sensitive. Great drums all the way around.

[@aaronrom6459]

I've had a blast playing the Solid Steel I picked up from you guys a few months back. Played it today on my lunch break, had it tuned medium, and it was so beefy yet cutting. I've also got the Bell Brass and Phosphor Bronze in my collection, and I've been going back and forth between those three quite a bit lately. Gonna have to grab that aluminum to complete the collection!

[@stephentyler4352]

Somebody here has GAS! 💨😂

[@tommyleeroth818]

Wow man you should definitely complete the collection since you 75% there already! Question for you. I own the bell brass and love it. Took a minute to figure out the right heads and tuning for me but now it’s great. It records great and to me sounds very close to the tama. I love the body and fat tone of brass/bronze In combination with the crazy amount of crack it produces. Which one do you think gets closest to the tama? Also I really liked the steel one in the video. How does it contrast to the BB? Sorry for the long message…I can get carried away with snare drums haha!

[@aaronrom6459]

@@stephentyler4352 yeah, I collect snares like guitarists collect pedals.

[@aaronrom6459]

@@tommyleeroth818 check out the video that these guys did on The Best Heavy Metal Snare Drums. They included the Solid Steel, the Phosphor Bronze, the Bell Brass, and the original Tama, along with a few others. Great video, and what inspired me to get into the solid shell metal drums!

[@aaronatz9619]

I own the Bell Brass, Steel and the Aluminum. Let's just say they would be the last 3 left if I sold all my snares and that includes my Brass on Brass BB!!

[@chris_d_r_u_m_s]

1 Brass 2 Steel 3 Bronze 4 Aluminium Love em all though

[@thepluggy1]

Tonys playing is always nice

[@thegroovemonkees]

RIP Tony. It's so sad that he exploded... twice!

[@AJd1996]

I own the Bell Brass, still loving it

[@paulgiacalone4471]

Great video , thanks . I think they all sounded great, and I was surprised that a steel drum could sound so good. I’ve always had chrome over brass for my metal drums.

[@ilmatteot]

I ve the Bell Brass and the Solid steel, amazing snare!!!!!

[@DRUMTIMELESSONS]

I own a Gretsch Bell Brass and I noticed that it really starts to shine on a medium/high tuning. It’s just sounds so powerful and when placing a regular brass shell on the side you can notice a big difference. Not that the bell brass is better, it’s just different, it all depends on your taste.The Gretsch Solid Steel is on my list. What beautiful couple that would make!

[@juancabrillo2u]

Four amazing drums and really well done as usual. Gotta love that Great Gretsch Sound! Solid steel was the big surprise… definite need to add that to my arsenal!

[@stillphil]

Steel kinda stole the show.

[@pacificdrumma]

Just recorded my BB today, it’s definitely my go-to. That steel is on my list though…

[@drumcenternh]

Yeah the solid steel would fit into your collection nicely!

[@jeffballou2940]

Is it me or does every Gretsch floor tom sound great? Yeah, these snares right here!

[@STORMBLAST321]

Already owned the bronze one once, it was just too much hahah sold it and got the solid aluminum instead 14x6.5 with tube lugs and 302 hoops. It is actually maybe my favorite snare drum. so easy in hands and what a crack crispy nice sound. Still loving my 30th anniversary 3mm free floating brass snare to

[@camerondean6804]

Does it also have the Microsensitive throw off?

[@STORMBLAST321]

@@camerondean6804 it has a different throw off than the lightning

[@camerondean6804]

@@STORMBLAST321 You have the same snare model that I have. Apparently they made a certain number of aluminum solid snares with 302 hoops, tube lugs, and the Microsensitive strainer. I'm glad I got one, since it had the three features I wanted.

[@STORMBLAST321]

@@camerondean6804 i don’t know if it is a limited edition. When I saw the Memphis drum shop video of it I had the jaws down! I bought it and even in person that snare is unbelievable! I dont know why but they deleted that video and replaced it for a one with diecast hoops and in my opinion it is not as cool as it was with 302 hoops

[@camerondean6804]

@@STORMBLAST321 I don't know either if it was limited issue and don't know why Gretsch changed the configuration. Like you, glad I got mine. Your exactly right--outstanding drum.

[@TXMusicDrummer]

They all sounded great to me. I know that the phosphor bronze was mentioned to be the heaviest. Would the aluminum version be the lightest?

[@drumcenternh]

Yes, the aluminum definitely has the lightest weight of the 4 drums.

[@omarcortes5754]

-Bell brass low and medium. Aluminun high. -Steel high. -Phosphor Bronze low.

[@ОлександрДавосир]

I love drum center!Tanks.

[@louishebert5106]

J’ai un faible pour le solid steel, pour moi l’acier sonne bien, et produit de très belles harmoniques, j’ai un SLP sonic steel et je suis très satisfait.

[@TheCapedCrusader94]

Cast steel, surprisingly, is my favorite of the bunch. Aluminum is a close second!

[@drumcenternh]

That drum surprises a LOT of people by how good it is.

[@ldcsam1]

Is it Black Nickel or Black Chrome?@@drumcenternh

[@IrenESorius]

Solid aluminium,, 😋

[@beckman3075]

Heavy metal - Rock it❤ Greetings from Germany

[@countxerox]

My favorite is Phosphor Bronze followed by Bell Brass. The Steel has a too sharp edge to me. I play USA Bronze and a 13" Yamaha Recording Custom Brass

[@thebusinessend1]

My wife surprised me with the 13" phosphor bronze for my bday. It its the best snare I ever played and I almost see no point in buying anything else. Even compared to my 25 ply pearl reference snare its so damn cutting and explosive.

[@billyhughes9776]

I thought I'd like the Aluminum the best -- but, it's between the Bell Brass and the Steel. They all sound fantastic and,...the Sabian AAX's sound damn good.

[@graytss]

My 5x14 regular bronze might need a buddy… the 6.5 bell brass is unreal.

[@drumcenternh]

No snare drum should be alone... 😉

[@telsonalves8060]

Todas são fantásticas, mas eu gostaria de ter a de aço inoxidável. Parabéns para vocês pelo vídeo bem exclarecedor.

[@steverok67]

They all sound really good, especially in low tuning. Very expensive though. Would have to play them in person to see how they stand up against my Ludwigs.

[@cfusilier2]

I think I know some answers to this, but why not include copper? Or nickel-over-brass? I hope to own one of these guys some day - even if I can’t decide which one 😀 And I agree - that solid steel was an unexpected, and wonderful surprise.

[@drumcenternh]

We were just focusing on the solid shell metal drums in this video.

[@cfusilier2]

I figured as much 🙂

[@rippindrummer666]

Gretsch just came out with a 2mm solid copper snare!!!

[@Monsterdrumma]

Brass then aluminum, I loge both for different reasons and the other two are also awesome but Gretsch does no wrong in my book.

[@drummaman1]

I can see where the drum kit sales money is going! Nice graphics!

[@sebastiancanalesgarcia]

man those snares sound beautiful. do you tune them to any particular note or frequency?

[@Romans219]

I love drums and this channel.

[@mcsstudiosunderdevelopment6257]

NICE! What mic's are you using in your videos for close mics, overheads and room? Sounds amazing!

[@drumcenternh]

Thank you! The mics we use are listed in the description!

[@michaelbrown3128]

I love metal snares! My favorites are Ludwig snares and Pearl sensitones. But it can't be an odd coincidence, but almost Everytime I watch someone play a metal Tama snare drum, they always sound pissa! Can you guys do a video on Tama metal snares, so I can see the options they have? Thanks guys!!!!

[@CornerStoreDrums]

OH LETS GO!! DCP = Top Shelf!!

[@tinterlande]

🤘🤘

[@CornerStoreDrums]

@@tinterlande NICE! 💯

[@johnruck]

I just bought a Gretsch Bell brass snare and want to save the heads ( Remo Gretsch prematone) snare heads for resale >> what kind of head matches this and for rezo ???

[@drumcenternh]

Remo coated Controlled Sound batter and Remo hazy Ambassador for the reso.

[@markrushton1516]

Never considered Gretsch snares until now. That Bronze is lovely but I'll take them all

[@jimparker6610]

That damn bronze snare…..😊

[@FAKusch]

The steel rocks. Surprisingly my fav.

[@drumcenternh]

Such a killer drum!

[@AaronTremblay]

FOURTY TWO strand snare! And I thought my 30’s were phat! Haha

[@manojkamalakar6293]

@DRUM CENTER OF PORTSMOUTH Great Review as always , but you used a HHX HIHATS in this video , but mentioned as AAX in the Description, CAN YOU PLEASE TELL ME THE EXACT HHX HIHAT MODEL USED IN THIS VIDEO ? Thanks in advance

[@manojkamalakar6293]

hello @drum center of portsmouth

[@roybeckerman9253]

Phosphor Bronze, but all great… However, would liked to have seen the Chrome Over Brass, included..

[@dmitryshkolnik5233]

I'm sure these drums all needed reinforcement rings real bad, because, you know.. 3 mm cast metal is pretty flimsy by itself ) Oh, and thanks for the video! Top quality content as always

[@Telson-w1j]

Os vídeos da Drum Center Portsmouth são sempre excelentes !!!

[@bruceleemagomaev9157]

i find the phosphor one to be not only the most exploisive but also the meatiest one. i guess the ticker - the flashier. to me this one sounds the closest to vintage TAMA.

[@jjdente7666]

i have the 13" phosphorous bronze. Its the best snare money can buy IMO especially if you like 13's. I also have thick bitch 25 ply pearl 13" and this is twice as loud.

[@steverichdrummr]

Thanks guys for your hard work on these videos. Tony is still great, but is he tired? Tony, I hope you get a vacation soon. No offense intended, so I hope none taken. Love you guy's.

[@tinterlande]

Tired? Oh yeah, two young kids at home so yeah.

[@steverichdrummr]

@@tinterlande I get that. My wife and I did infant foster care. Although 2 or 3 at a time, we had 15 infants living here. ( We adopted the last 3, all from the same family, who now are 25, 24, and 22). Get some rest brother, you are very loved here!

[@tinterlande]

@@steverichdrummr Oh man, that is a lot but amazing! Thank you and I will!

[@rickeaton3085]

I had the steel, bought the phosphorus and sold the steel. Just bought another used steel from you guys as I regretted selling it. It arrives next week. Lesson learned. I'm sure I'll love both siblings and never give them up for adoption...

[@stephenplaysthedrums9440]

I own 9 gretsch snares. I really want the bronze (I have the USA 1mm bronze) but the price tag holds me back. Compared to the others, would you say it’s worth the price tag? I love loud powerful snares and was curious what you thought about it. If you haven’t seen the new 2mm copper be sure and check it out. I just got it and it’s amazing! Love the sound of it.

[@dugjay]

For me it's a toss up between the SS and BB. Either one would be a great addition to have.

[@jcdrums2798]

my choice the aluminium

[@Theratron]

These all sound great. But I still prefer my Gretsch COB (chrome over brass) because it has a killer "crack" : )

[@PatrickBuzoDrums]

I can't decide between 5mm bronze or 3mm bell brass

[@alkingborn]

Being forced to pick one I’d choose the HHX cymbals, simply amazìng!

[@DrumKillerMachine]

what a comparison. sensational. Spoiled for choice... all snares have a unique sound, so you can't really decide. In terms of optics, I'm in favor of brass, my heart beats phosphorus, the experimental aluminum, the mind says steel. congratulations tony and dcp team. brilliant video.

[@troypol343]

Bronze sounded the best to me but I just looked at the price...Solid Steel will do. LOL! It sounds great too!

[@thomasnappo6309]

All Sound Great...Comes down to affordability...😊

[@charliecontrino1626]

I LOVE the bell brass! Fat and still a great crack!

[@drumcenternh]

Super fat!

[@AlecFloyd-se8de]

I feel like you need a heavy hitter like Aaron Gillespie or someone similar to really do these drums justice, they’re near impossible to choke

[@ryanscott68]

They all sound great, but I think the floor tom stole the show!

[@drumcenternh]

Gotta love a 16x16 USA Custom!

[@Telson-w1j]

Quatro Máquinas do som !

[@gaetanclybouw]

I have the aluminium, steel and bell brass. I still want the phosphorus one but my wallet said no 😂

[@af7119]

What's the song at 5:00? I know it so well but can't put my finger on it!

[@af7119]

Tool? Older stuff? Dream Theater? I'm so lost....

[@adamfrost3722]

@@af7119 A message to Harry Manback

[@af7119]

@@adamfrost3722 Thank you, brother!

[@777bigbird]

Ive used every snare known to mankind . I love Gretsch drums but as far as snares go , nothing can beat the 6 1/2 ludwig Supraphonic. Lm 402 . You can get fancier and more pricey but they are THE SNARE. Petiod

[@garypetrol]

They all sound good to me....

[@philtravers5552]

Brass all the way

[@ynotw57]

Maybe I'm just hearing things, but it seemed the bell brass had different characteristics based on the velocity of the attack, giving it different voices, more versatility, and more playfulness. Bell brass all the way.

[@rogerwelsh2335]

Steel

[@thomasnappo6309]

Sound like the Black Beauty..Ludwig😊

[@brettvandenbosch8772]

Why is it called “solid” metal? Are there holo metal snares?

[@cartoune]

Since Gretsch is owned by DW, I’ve always wondered if the solid aluminum is the same snare as DW’s aluminum wrinkle. They’re both 3mm and have reinforcement rings. Is it just hoops, hardware, and badge that are different? Holler if ya know!

[@stephenplaysthedrums9440]

It’s not the same.

[@hasan_bahramian]

❤❤❤

[@arnebetzen2911]

I take the steel🫡

[@PaulMarangoni]

You lost me at the "Lightning" throw-off. My least favorite strainer of all time.😥

[@ragrapios]

Mr.Adam Frost must have mother.

[@adamfrost3722]

Nah