Enter to Win a $8000 PA System!

Gretsch Drums USA Bell Brass Snare Drum - 6.5 x 14-inch - Brushed

6.5" x 14" Bell Brass Snare Drum with 3.0mm Shell and Die-cast Hoops
$1,199.00

Earn $60 back in Bonus Bucks OR pay $50/month with 24 month financing*

Or we have a demo model for just $1,019.15 ! Learn more
In Stock!

Only 1 left in stock! More on the way.
Add to Cart
Notify me about deals

Ask An Expert

Our expertly trained Sales Engineers are ready to help!

What is a Sales Engineer?
Sweetwater Gear Exchange

Have one to sell?
Check out Sweetwater's Gear Exchange!
Learn More

Most Popular Accessories & Related Items

Gretsch Drums USA Bell Brass Snare Drum - 6.5 x 14-inch - Brushed
In Stock!
$1,199.00
Add to Cart
Add to list
Back to navigation

This article was Written By

Our Product Research Team

Get to know them!

The Beauty of Bell Brass

Brass snare drums have a well-rounded bite that bridges brilliance and darkness, and the USA Bell Brass Snare Drum by Gretsch is exemplary of that sound. Measuring 5 inches x 14 inches, you’ll find this beautiful backbeat to work just as hard — and just as well — as a session snare as it will up onstage behind your kit. And Gretsch made sure to pour on the class, too, integrating rock-steady die-cast hoops and their famous Lightning throw off for absolute ease of use. The cherry on top of this incredible snare? Sweetwater drummers love the elegant brass finish that looks at home in any performance space, from home studios to huge stages.

Awe-inspiring tonal blend

The satisfying strike of a Gretsch USA Bell Brass snare drum is unrivaled, due in part to its exceptional balance of powerful attack and undeniably pleasing tonal characteristics. A 3mm cast brass shell blends the brightness and musicality of its metal nature with a healthy dose of smooth, rich, and woody thunder. Pair such a perfect blend with a 42-strand snare set, and the crispy complexity of the USA Bell Brass just takes off. A tireless snare that puts its nose to the grindstone onstage, then turns around and becomes an absolute dream in the recording studio — this might just be as good as it gets!

Always ready to get to work

With a snare that sounds so good, it’s only fitting that some hardworking quality hardware joins in the revelry. Given two substantial die-cast hoops, you’ll not only be at peace with your intonation, but the sheer power and clarity of every cross stick will keep you locked in tight to the groove. Gretsch’s proprietary Lightning throw off and strainer combination ornament the exterior of the shell, supplying only the fastest and smoothest tenor switching possible. And don’t forget Gretsch’s ultra-convenient “Snap-in” key holder for micro adjustments at a moment’s notice.

Gretsch Drums USA Bell Brass Snare Drum Features:

  • 3mm cast bell brass shell blends crisp, musical highs with rich and thunderous lows
  • Perfect choice for both live and studio applications
  • Lightning throw off and strainer allow for fast adjustments at a moment’s notice
  • 42-strand snare wires aid in this snare’s ever-present snap
  • Die-cast hoops supply professional, lasting intonation and powerful sticking
  • “Snap-in” key holder makes it quite convenient to adjust head tension

Warranty Info

Sweetwater's FREE 2-Year Total Confidence Coverage Warranty

Extra peace of mind at no extra cost.

  • Save money with FREE parts and labor
  • Get back to making music with the industry's fastest turnaround time
  • Fix it the first time with our award-winning, factory-certified Service Department
Learn More about Total Confidence Coverage

Free 2-year Warranty

Sweetwater's 2-year Total Confidence Coverage™ Warranty gives you extra peace of mind at no extra cost.

Learn More about Total Confidence Coverage
Tools Icon

Save money with free parts & labor!

Fast Icon

Get back to making music with the industry's fastest turnaround time.

Award Icon

Fix it the first time with our award-winning, factory-certified Service Department.

Back to navigation

Tech Specs

  • Type: Snare
  • Drum Depth: 6.5"
  • Drum Diameter: 14"
  • Shell Material: Bell Brass
  • Shell Construction: 3mm
  • Hoops: Die-cast
  • Color: Brass
  • Manufacturer Part Number: G4169BBR

What Makes Our Sales Engineers Great?

Sweetwater Sales Engineers are a world-class team of experts dedicated to you. Hand selected from across the globe, each brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the world of music gear to provide you with unparalleled service completely free of charge. Friendly relationships, real trust, and the right gear are only a call or a click away!

Back to navigation

Customer Reviews

Write your review
Rated 5/5

Believe the Hype

Just pulled Gretsch Usa Bell brass snare out of the box. Did a quick tune by ear and this thing blew me away. It just sounds good. It has that sound. Don't worry about another drum. This is it.
Music background: Post rock, Doom, Hard rock, Hardcore drummer
Rated 5/5

The Snare with "That" Bell Brass Sound

Bottom line, this drum rocks. If you play rock and roll, get this drum.

I looked at this drum for three years before I finally ordered it, don't be me. Be smarter. I spent WAY more than a grand trying to find this sound. Just buy this drum.

I wanted the 90's metal/Seattle tone the closest thing to the early issue Tama Bell Bronze snares that predominated in LA and Seattle recordings (Nirvana, Metallica, Rage Against the Machine).

While this drum is not an exact clone, it's pretty excellent and good enough for the likes of Brad Wilk and Taylor Hawkins (I believe the Foo's Wasting Light album in 2011 was recorded with a Gretsch BB snare drum).

It weighs north of 17 lbs. You need a solid, sturdy, reliable snare stand. I have mine on a Pearl 930 and it works great.

The tone...goodness, the tone. It's loud. It's slappy. It's warm. It's full. It's ultra focused. It's sensitive (42 strand wires).

My go to snare (which is in question now) is a Yamaha Recording Custom Aluminum 14x5.5". That drum is wide open and a bit more woody tonally while the Gretsch is ultra focused, brighter, and punctuated in its attack.

I replaced the stock heads (which sound great BTW) with Evans heads. Heavyweight on the batter and the 500 snare side (Sweetwater, please start selling the 500 snare side heads, they're a must for heavy hitters) and it darkens up the tone substantially (and tames some of the overtones, which are pleasant to begin with).

I have one minor gripe. Gretsch, please, when I buy a $1000 drum, I don't want metal on metal contact. May I ask humbly that a forty cent set of nylon washers be placed between the metal washers and the beautiful die cast hoops so that the drum stays in tune a little better, please? Unless Gretsch feels like the washers compromise the vintage looks of the drum (which is a valid reason), most of us heavy hitters are going to put them on anyway.

Bottom line rock drummers, if you want the classic bell brass sound, you can pull it out of this drum and you won't be disappointed. I'm looking forward to putting this thing to work after the world gets a little more sorted out.
Music background: Gigging hobbiest. Instructor. Life-long learner.
Rated 5/5

Unreal looks

The sound that comes out with light sticking is pure joy- not to mention when give in a good whack. Very happy with my purchase . Play it out twenty times already. Going to use it my concert band soon. Great tone. .
Rated 5/5

Incredible snare drum. Open and loud...

This drum has a serious crack and lots of body. It is bright but there is depth to the sound, as well. Crazy heavy, but worth the extra back strain to get it on the stand. Absolutely beautiful drum, as well.
Music background: Going through a snare drum collection on at a time.
Rated 5/5

Gretsch Bell Brass snare

After reading the good reviews about this drum I thought I would give it a try.
It is a great drum It's every thing they said it was.
This is my 3rd Gretsch. I might be partial to Gretsch but I would recommend it.
It is a heavy drum. If you'll be carrying it around, you might want a heavy duty bag.
Music background: Collector / Enthusiast
Close Close $8,000 PA System Giveaway -- input your email address below to enter or click here to learn more.

See giveaway details & rules or check out our past winners!

Success!

Your email, test has been entered to win this giveaway. Good Luck!