(9th May 2023 – Ridgeland, South Carolina) – Gretsch Drums has handcrafted a limited-edition Commemorative 140th Anniversary Snare Drum to celebrate one hundred and forty remarkable years of drum making.

Back in 1883, when Friedrich Gretsch opened a small music shop in Brooklyn, N.Y. no one could have predicted that his drums would be played by some of the greatest players all around the world. Today Gretsch drums are handmade in Ridgeland, South Carolina by dedicated artisans to ensure each drum has that ‘Great Gretsch Sound’.

The core of the 7 x 14” 140th Anniversary Snare Drum is the legendary U.S.A. Custom Gretsch formula maple-gum shell with an outer veneer of Figured Ash. The snare is finished with a natural gloss lacquer to enhance the unique patterns of the wood grain and complemented by vintage-inspired, nickel-plated diecast hoops and lugs, and a classic Lightning throw-off.

Every commemorative 140th Anniversary Snare Drum comes with a custom snare bag and a certificate of authenticity signed by Fred Gretsch and the artisans who built them. Production is limited to 140 drums only, guaranteeing this limited-edition snare will really become a real collector’s piece.