What is the shell thickness of the Gretsch USA Brooklyn 12" x 6" snare?

The drum features a 2mm thick shell made of chrome-plated steel. This thickness contributes to the drum's rigidity and its ability to project clear, open tones.

What type of hoops are used on this snare?

This snare is equipped with Gretsch 302 steel hoops. These are double-flanged hoops designed to provide a balance between the focused sound of die-cast hoops and the resonance of triple-flanged hoops.

What is the bearing edge specification?

The shell is cut with a 45-degree bearing edge. This angle is designed to increase the resonance and sensitivity of the drum by providing a specific contact point for the drumhead.

How many snare wires does the Gretsch USA Brooklyn 12" x 6" have?

The drum comes with 20-strand snare wires. This configuration is chosen to deliver optimum snare tones, providing a clear punch while remaining sensitive enough for ghost notes.

Is this snare drum suitable for rock music?

Yes, it is highly suitable for rock as well as pop and other genres. The steel shell provides the necessary projection and high-end tones to be heard in loud playing situations.

Where is this Gretsch snare drum manufactured?

As part of the USA Brooklyn series, this snare drum is manufactured by Gretsch in the United States. This ensures high-quality craftsmanship and materials.

What is the primary sonic advantage of a chrome-plated steel shell?

Chrome-plated steel offers a bright, cutting sound with strong high-end frequencies. It provides a unique tonality compared to wood shells, offering more 'ping' and projection.

Can the 12" x 6" size be used as a primary snare drum?

Yes, while 12-inch drums are often used as side snares, the 6-inch depth of this Gretsch model provides enough body and low-end to serve as a primary snare for many drummers.

How does the price of the Gretsch Brooklyn COS compare to other high-end snares?

At a typical price of approximately GBP 429, it sits in the mid-to-high professional range. This makes it competitive with other premium snares like those from the DW Collectors or Tama Starclassic series.

Does this snare drum handle ghost notes well?

Yes, the combination of the 45-degree bearing edge and the 20-strand snare wires is specifically mentioned as allowing for warm and clear ghost notes.

How does the 12" diameter affect the tuning?

The smaller 12-inch diameter naturally raises the fundamental pitch of the drum compared to a standard 14-inch snare. This allows for a higher, tighter 'crack' in the drum's sound.

What finishes are available for this specific model?

This specific model features a chrome-plated finish over the steel shell, providing a classic, reflective silver aesthetic that matches most drum kit hardware.

Gear article

Gretsch USA Brooklyn 12" x 6" Chrome Over Steel Snare Drum

The Gretsch USA Brooklyn 12" x 6" Chrome Over Steel is a professional-grade snare drum manufactured in the United States, featuring a 2mm chrome-plated steel shell. It is designed to offer a versatile tonal range, blending high-end clarity with a punchy midrange and warm low-end response.

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Overview

The Gretsch USA Brooklyn 12" x 6" Chrome Over Steel (COS) snare drum is a compact yet powerful addition to the Gretsch product lineup. Part of the renowned Brooklyn series, this drum is defined by its 2mm thick chrome-plated steel shell, which provides a rigid foundation for a broad dynamic range. The 12-inch diameter combined with a 6-inch depth allows for a distinct voice that can function either as a primary snare in specific setups or a high-quality auxiliary side snare.

Construction and Hardware

Gretsch has utilised specific hardware choices to refine the resonance of the Brooklyn COS snare. Key features include:

Shell Construction: A 2mm chrome-plated steel shell that offers durability and a bright, reflective aesthetic.
302 Hoops: The drum is equipped with Gretsch 302 steel hoops. These double-flanged hoops are thicker than standard hoops, mimicking the rigidity of die-cast hoops while allowing the drum to breathe more freely like a triple-flanged hoop.
Bearing Edges: The shell features 45-degree bearing edges, designed to optimise the contact between the drumhead and the shell for increased sensitivity and resonance.
Snare Wires: A 20-strand wire set is standard, providing a balanced snare response that caters to both heavy hits and subtle ghost notes.

Sound Character

The sonic profile of the 12" x 6" Brooklyn snare is characterised by its versatility. The steel shell naturally projects clear, open high tones, making it ideal for cutting through dense mixes. However, the 6-inch depth ensures there is sufficient body to support the midrange and low-frequency components. This combination results in a clear punch that remains warm, particularly when playing softer articulations or ghost notes.

Target Audience and Applications

This snare drum is suited for a wide variety of musical genres, including pop, rock, and fusion. Due to its 12-inch diameter, it is particularly favoured by drummers seeking a higher pitch or a unique 'crack' without sacrificing the body of a deeper shell. It is a professional-level instrument designed for both studio recording environments and live performances where tonality and projection are paramount.

Comparisons to Alternatives

Within the high-end snare market, the Gretsch Brooklyn 12" x 6" occupies a niche between traditional 14-inch wood snares and smaller auxiliary drums.

Versus Maple: Compared to the British Drum Co. Maverick or Sonor AQ2 Maple snares, the Gretsch COS provides a brighter, more metallic bite and higher projection.
Versus Stainless Steel: Compared to the DW Collectors Series Stainless Steel, the Brooklyn's 2mm chrome plating and 302 hoops offer a slightly different harmonic resonance and 'feel' under the stick.
Versus Hybrid Shells: While the Tama Starclassic Performer uses a Birch/Maple blend for a focused wood tone, the Gretsch Brooklyn Steel focus is on high-end clarity and openness.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the shell thickness of the Gretsch USA Brooklyn 12" x 6" snare?: The drum features a 2mm thick shell made of chrome-plated steel. This thickness contributes to the drum's rigidity and its ability to project clear, open tones.
What type of hoops are used on this snare?: This snare is equipped with Gretsch 302 steel hoops. These are double-flanged hoops designed to provide a balance between the focused sound of die-cast hoops and the resonance of triple-flanged hoops.
What is the bearing edge specification?: The shell is cut with a 45-degree bearing edge. This angle is designed to increase the resonance and sensitivity of the drum by providing a specific contact point for the drumhead.
How many snare wires does the Gretsch USA Brooklyn 12" x 6" have?: The drum comes with 20-strand snare wires. This configuration is chosen to deliver optimum snare tones, providing a clear punch while remaining sensitive enough for ghost notes.
Is this snare drum suitable for rock music?: Yes, it is highly suitable for rock as well as pop and other genres. The steel shell provides the necessary projection and high-end tones to be heard in loud playing situations.
Where is this Gretsch snare drum manufactured?: As part of the USA Brooklyn series, this snare drum is manufactured by Gretsch in the United States. This ensures high-quality craftsmanship and materials.
What is the primary sonic advantage of a chrome-plated steel shell?: Chrome-plated steel offers a bright, cutting sound with strong high-end frequencies. It provides a unique tonality compared to wood shells, offering more 'ping' and projection.
Can the 12" x 6" size be used as a primary snare drum?: Yes, while 12-inch drums are often used as side snares, the 6-inch depth of this Gretsch model provides enough body and low-end to serve as a primary snare for many drummers.
How does the price of the Gretsch Brooklyn COS compare to other high-end snares?: At a typical price of approximately GBP 429, it sits in the mid-to-high professional range. This makes it competitive with other premium snares like those from the DW Collectors or Tama Starclassic series.
Does this snare drum handle ghost notes well?: Yes, the combination of the 45-degree bearing edge and the 20-strand snare wires is specifically mentioned as allowing for warm and clear ghost notes.
How does the 12" diameter affect the tuning?: The smaller 12-inch diameter naturally raises the fundamental pitch of the drum compared to a standard 14-inch snare. This allows for a higher, tighter 'crack' in the drum's sound.
What finishes are available for this specific model?: This specific model features a chrome-plated finish over the steel shell, providing a classic, reflective silver aesthetic that matches most drum kit hardware.