[slingerland]

I read about your problem and make no mistake Gretsch makes an excellent set as far as the sound goes they sound more like the old vintage drums so if you like that sound Gretsch is what you want, the reason is that Gretsch cuts their bearing edges at 30 degrees giving it a Vintage sound you may like that sound I do and I'm playing 42 years. As far as the hardware goes Gretsch makes excellent hardware. I don't know very much about ddrum but try them out if you have a guitar center near you they usually will help. By the way listen to a Kid Rock song his Drummer uses only Gretsch. listen and make your decision and by the way try out a set of Pearl. Good Luck and let me know what you do but you should always have the choice and don't have any regrets. SLINGERLAND]