Welcome to the VDF, Take a look at this and see if this helps?http://www.vintagedrumguide.com/gretsch_snare_drums_catalog_pages.htm

Thanks, I was just checking that out yesterday actually. The snare on that page is exactly like my SS throw-off, with no lines... If the freekin label could be in there, the funny thing is that it has flat head screws, the other old one has hex screws and lines in the middle. Would anybody know what is the difference between both... If I were to keep only one of them, which one could be the most collectable, besides how they sound of course...

band3

From what I can tell, the earliest of the Model 4160 snares had no central knurling lines, a microsensitive throw and round/flat head screws (not hex) holding on the lug casings. The first thing to change was the knurling. This happened in the mid 60s. Note that catalog #43 (1966) shows non-knurled shell Model 4160 snare drums on the cover, page 3 and page 5, but a knurled shell on page 8.

Next was a change from microsensitive to lightning throws in the later 60s.

Finally, slightly after the throw was changed, the lug mounting screws changed from the round/flat head to hex heads.

Based upon the above progression, I would put your drums in the following order, oldest to newest - 3, 2, 1. (It appears to me that you describe 3 drums, even though at one point your said there were 4. Let me know if that is incorrect.)

Your "pre-label" drum was probably made during the label era and did not receive a label or it fell off without leaving much of a trace that it had been on there. This is not uncommon for the chrome snares.

Can you tell me if the serial number on the one drum that has a label (knurling, round/flat head screws and lightning throw) is in the 85000-95000 range? That would be consistent with the information that I have gathered.

Rick

Great thanks Rick Clapping Happy2, the one that has a badge is in the 96000 numbers I think, that would make you right Sir!! So they really started with flat head then moved to hex, well well. For your question towards my 4th snare, it's a 4157 diamond blue serial 5xxx in top condition (my favorite). So I guess I should hang on to the SS one, would be the one that would be oldest and also with an SS throw would make it the most valuble, wonder who the heck took away the badge :(. You think I should hang on to this one or the one that has the label inside?

Cheers!

I now understand the reference to the fourth snare - it's just not a Chrome 4160 model.

The wood wrapped model 4157 likely has the most collectible value. Depending upon condition, next would be the older 4160 with the microsensitive (assuming it functions well). I would not worry too much about the missing label. Few people get too worked up about them, and they did not always stick to the chrome that well. Based upon the other characteristics, we have a pretty good idea when the drum was made.

If you could double check the serial number on the Chrome snare, I would appreciate it. I am always trying to add to the drums which I have recorded in the log.

Rick

Is there that much of a difference, value-wise, if any, between the earlier 6 ply RB drums with the flat-head screws holding the lugs, and the later 60s RB drums with the hex screws holding the lugs?

I based my value difference on the microsensitive throwoff, not the screws. At most, the screws are an indicator of age, and some might put a slight premium on an older drum.

One potential problem is that it would be relatively easy to switch out the screws and lug casings to make a drum "look" older. If there was enough of a value difference, I am sure someone would try it.