Mike Johnston shows his new Gretsch Brooklyn Standard snare drum in a quick interview we did with the immense popular drum teacher at the 2020 NAMM Show. Just after finishing a full Gretsch booth tour, Mike walked in and was kind enough to go into the details of his signature 'Brooklyn Standard'.
Mike wanted to create a snare drum that was as versatile as possible in every way, in dynamics and tuning range. Next to that, he wanted it to be an affordable pro-grade snare drum for students. The entire process took 9 months to create the 5.5x14 Brooklyn Standard.
A few features of the Brooklyn Standard stand out:
the 42-strand snare wires
the old-school internal damper
the double 45° bearing edges
the new Classic tube lugs from the 30s - Mike's favorite!
and the Satin Black Metallic finish with a Silver Sealer interior
The snare comes with Gretsch Permatone heads made by Remo in the USA, and an inside identification label specifies the year of production and is signed by Mike Johnston. Full specs below the video.
Mike Johnston shows his Gretsch Brooklyn Standard snare drum
Gretsch Brooklyn Standard 14" Snare Drum features
A collaboration between Gretsch Drums and Mike Johnston
6-ply maple/poplar shell exhibits bite, fullness, and sensitivity
Engraved 302 Hoops
Double 45° bearing edges (to optimize head and shell response)
Batter-size internal tone control to tame overring
