Gretsch · Gretsch 4160 · 1961–1977 (in the catalogs we checked)
Gretsch's chrome metal snare is in the 1961 catalog as the X4160, a 14 x 5 with a one-piece spun brass shell, a polished chrome finish and Gretsch's Micro-Sensitive strainer. Gretsch pitched it at drummers who wanted the sharp, crisp sound of a metal snare. By the mid-1960s it had picked up the Lightning throw-off, solid die-cast hoops beaded for rim shots and wide 42-strand snares, and that's how the 1971 catalog still describes it. It was the standard snare in several mid-1960s outfits, including the Name Band, Rock 'n Roll and Black Hawk sets, and the upgrade on the Progressive Jazz. There was also a 24-karat gold plated 4160G, hand etched and engraved, which Gretsch called the most beautiful drum in the world. The 1977 catalog adds 10-lug and 6-inch brass versions, and Gretsch still makes a G4160 chrome over brass snare in Ridgeland, South Carolina. Gretsch also sold chrome-plated aluminum snares, the 4109 and later the 4108, which look much the same in photos. Ask the seller for the catalog number or the weight, and read the badge to date it.
Inside the shellGretsch 4160
Read the badge first. A round badge fits up to 1971 and the octagonal badge 1972 to 1980. The 1961 catalog shows the 4160 with the Micro-Sensitive strainer and 16-strand snares, and by the mid-1960s it had the Lightning throw-off, die-cast beaded hoops and wide 42-strand snares.
Chrome on an old brass shell can pit, bubble or flake, especially near the snare beds and vents. Throw-offs and snare wires are often replaced with later parts.
Buying guide
Only one vintage Gretsch chrome-on-brass snare is for sale, a 1960s 14-inch from a UK shop at $1,183 delivered, so there's no market read yet. The title gives no model number, and Gretsch also made chrome-plated aluminum snares that look much the same, the 4108 and 4109, so ask the seller to confirm the shell is brass. A round badge fits 1971 or earlier, and a mid-1960s 4160 should have the Lightning throw-off and die-cast beaded hoops. Chrome on old brass pits, bubbles and flakes near the snare beds and vents, so ask for close photos there.
$1,183.27est. delivered
The only Gretsch chrome-on-brass snare for sale, a 1960s 14-inch from a UK shop at $1,183 delivered. It isn't titled 4160, so ask for the badge, the strainer and close photos of the chrome near the snare beds.
Snare Drum 14" Gretsch Vintage Chrome On Brass 1960s USED! RK66G170626
Delivered prices include shipping as eBay quoted it to a US address on Oct 12, 2026. Many sellers charge by distance, so your total may differ. eBay shows yours before you pay.
Snapshot
Checked . Some may have sold.
Delivered prices include shipping as eBay quoted it to a US address on Oct 12, 2026. Many sellers charge by distance, so your total may differ. eBay shows yours before you pay.
Used$1,183.27est. delivered
$1,057.40 + $125.87 shipping
Buy It Now$1,057.40
Good buy
Titled 1960s chrome on brass, no model number. Ships from the UK.
Seller: rockemmusicshop
99.9% positive
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