Gretsch Catalina Maple

**Der Trommler** · #11 (**permalink**) 12-01-2009, 02:48 PM

I can't speak for Jim, but I welcome open minded discussion and this type of thread is huge in value from a knowledge standpoint. While you two may or may not agree, some very good info is shared here and is now available to anyone who is interested in educating themselves before a purchase.

Kudos to both of you.

**Tainojim** · #12 (**permalink**) 12-01-2009, 06:19 PM

As Mr. Der and I have come across earlier this year, the Gretsch has been the key stone of drum building while DW holds the latest bench mark.

And I welcome other drummers opinions as long as they do their homework and get good grades in school.

But seriously, hats off to all those who are studious, after all education is the backbone of life and insanity comes quietly to the structured mind.

PearlVSX · #13 (**permalink**) 05-12-2010, 08:59 AM

So.. I just put a deposit on a Gretsch Catalina Maple. That was a bad choice huh?

I happen to think that they look and sound pretty darn good. I am a working drummer on a tight budget and can't afford the higher Zoot offerings ie; Renown, NC, USA Customs. I feel rather offended by some of the remarks made in this thread.
I know they were not aimed at me personally, but rather at the set I purchased.
Still feels like a bag on my personal taste.
To each their own I suppose. I don't post here often, and I will be reading through threads in the future before I do.

PearlVSX · #14 (**permalink**) 05-12-2010, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tainojim

....It's better to save your money in the long run and make an investment into a decent kit instead of hasting into something that you know is a lesser quality.

People need to get it straight, buy American if you live in America.

Wow. If anyone here on these boards wants to send me a check for around 5.5k...

tfondrums · #15 (**permalink**) 05-12-2010, 10:46 AM

Hey VSX, regarding the Gretsch Cat Maple, I have read almost 40 different reviews on this Gretsch model and only saw ONE negative review. The rest of them fell between "great for the price" to "no need to spend any more for great sounding drums". I owned one of the earlier Gretsch Catalina Birch kits and got more complements on the look AND sound of that set than any other set of drums that I've owned, including some FAR more costly kits. I think that you've made a great choice and from what I understand, that Catalina Maple kit is their top selling model right now so you're not alone in thinking that they are great drums.

tfondrums · #16 (**permalink**) 05-12-2010, 10:52 AM

Actually, the Gretsch Renown AND the New Classics are also made in China. The only models that Gretsch still makes in their South Carolina factory are the USA Customs and the Signature kits. Everything else is off shore.

PearlVSX · #17 (**permalink**) 05-12-2010, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tfondrums

Actually, the Gretsch Renown AND the New Classics are also made in China. The only models that Gretsch still makes in their South Carolina factory are the USA Customs and the Signature kits. Everything else is off shore.

That was my understanding as well. With the Renown and NCs (NA maple)..
The timber is shipped to Taiwan/China and the shells are layed up and finished there. I love the Catalina Maples!!!

Church Drummer · #18 (**permalink**) 05-12-2010, 01:11 PM

I've got a Gretsch Catalina Birch set that I've had for a number of years, and have had no issues with the hardware, finish or sound of the drums. I would love to have the option of buying a set made in America at a reasonable price, but the drum manufacturers are building all of their intermediate kits offshore these days. I'd be willing to cough up a couple of hundred extra to get a USA made kit, but I'm not willing to cough up a couple of thousand for a USA made kit. It isn't the buyers that are at fault it's the manufacturers who have maximized their profits at the expense of US workers. Unless you're a pro and making money with your kit, very few people want to invest several thousand in a kit that they play out with only occasionally if not at all (not that you can't play out with a Catalina you definitely can). If you're trying to buy a shell pack for under $1,000.00 the Gretsch Catalina is one of the more popular choices.

PearlVSX · #19 (**permalink**) 05-12-2010, 02:29 PM

I will happily settle for my beautiful Cat Maples!

**Der Trommler** · #20 (**permalink**) 05-12-2010, 03:15 PM

PearlVSX,

I would take one person's opinion with a grain of salt if I were you. You will always find someone that isn't satisfied with a brand or model and thats ok, that person isn't the one who has to like the sound or build of your Catalinas.