Lightning I = Arm on the side

Lightning II = Arm in the middle

I don't think the holes are even the same between the two styles. I think you're going to have to find another Lightning I.

I have a 4165 with Lightning I and dread the time I'll need to replace the strainer.

-Tim

Mine is the Lightning I, so I guess I better be on the lookout for one. Here's my next question. I'm looking at getting another old 4160 to take when I play outside of the studio. Would it be wise to find one with a Microsensitive throw since they do make exact repros of those (as far as I know)?

The new Repro micros work very well and fit the original holes.

Personally I've always liked the Lightning (the second/current version) but that's just me. If memory serves it has a three hole triangular mounting pattern so it's going to be hard to match up. The only current three hole throw that comes to mind is the Gibraltar 3 pt. and I'd be very surprised if the holes lined up (but who knows, might be worth a bit of research). You could make an adaptor plate in order to use a P-85 or similar. That would probably be your best bet.

adapter plate ... put whatever strainer you want on there, no new holes, no problem

In my opinion, the Lightning strainer is a different beast when it comes to setup and adjustment. Sometimes I've spent a longer than normal amount of time adjusting mine.

Are you having issues with the butt-end (fishtail) or the strainer end? Have you tried using the plastic or cloth Puresound strips instead of cord? I know the screws that hold the cords on both ends are special and probably not readily available at the local hardware store. I'm not having an issue with the screws holding tension, but the heads on mine are becoming messed up. I think the screws might actually be brass, so they are soft.

Does anyone know where to source replacement screws? Are they the same as the screws on the new Lightning strainers?

-Tim

Thanks for the info so far everyone. Adapter plate may be best bet and my second 4160 will be a Microsensitive one. These drums are worth the extra $$ to me to have fully functional and reliable.

Tim - My issue is the 2 screws at the bottom of the lightning strainer itself. I tighten the snare cord as much as I can without choking and turn those two flathead screws as tight as I can without damaging them, but they inevitably loosen. Last time it took 2-3 months for them to finally loosen which is an improvement on what happened before that, but if that moment when they loosen is during a gig…no good. But using strap instead of cord is a thought. I just used the stock cord that came with my Canopus wires. Maybe a strap will grip better. Will try. Thanks!

Perhaps a drop of thread lock (Loc-Tite) on each screw. Not the permanent type but the stuff that will hold the screw in position until you want to remove it. Might be an easy solution, worth a try anyhow.

Someone just posted a 4160 RB with Lightning #1 for sale on the Vintage Gretsch Kits and Snares Facebook group for $225 plus shipping, if you are interested.

-Tim

At one time in the 70's I had a 4160 I have alway liked the lighting throw and agree great sounding snare, mite be a new tread tapping and lock washer fix could be easy