Gretsch Catalina Maple

bonedog · #1 (**permalink**) 11-17-2008, 10:36 AM

I have heard that the suspension mounts on the Catalina Maple kits tend to rattle. Any reviews on the overall quality of the Gretsch Catalina maple series would be helpful.

Scott.

tfondrums · #2 (**permalink**) 11-25-2009, 10:40 AM

Hi all, I've heard that the overall quality on the Gretsch Catalina Maple series is very good, esepcially for the money. I'm also looking for a new kit and the Cat. Maple is on my list as well. Anyone have thoughts on the Gretsch Catalina Maple vs. the PDP X-7's? I need the multiple tom layout but sadly, have to consider my budget as well.
THANKS GUYS!

**Tainojim** · #3 (**permalink**) 11-25-2009, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bonedog

I have heard that the suspension mounts on the Catalina Maple kits tend to rattle. Any reviews on the overall quality of the Gretsch Catalina maple series would be helpful.

Scott.

Any drum will rattle if there are loose parts or if you place them side by side close enough that they will rattle against each others rims.

All maple kits sound good if that's the sound your looking for in a kit. Maple give out a deep tone as apposed to birch.

I've a 9 pcs. Gretsch kit but the only thing that rattles is my brain.

Always try before you buy.

**Tainojim** · #4 (**permalink**) 11-25-2009, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tfondrums

Hi all, I've heard that the overall quality on the Gretsch Catalina Maple series is very good, esepcially for the money. I'm also looking for a new kit and the Cat. Maple is on my list as well. Anyone have thoughts on the Gretsch Catalina Maple vs. the PDP X-7's? I need the multiple tom layout but sadly, have to consider my budget as well.
THANKS GUYS!

I understood everything expect for the CAT thing. MEOW!

Church Drummer · #5 (**permalink**) 11-26-2009, 08:02 AM

I have the Catalina Birch set with the same hardware, and haven't had a problem with rattling. I must admit I'm not a heavy hitter though.

BonzoStomp · #6 (**permalink**) 11-30-2009, 12:09 PM

I actually hate the catlina maple and ash series. If you look at them closely, they are nothing close to a real Gretsch. The edges suck and the hardware on the shells is inconsistent. I guess they're great if you don't want to pay for a decent kit, but over all...they're turds. the Catalina Birch were great drums, but when Gretsch went to China for the Ash/Maples, they discontinued the Birch.

the renown maple and new classics are pretty amazing for the money, but they're exponentially more expensive.

I would keep looking.

**Tainojim** · #7 (**permalink**) 11-30-2009, 04:11 PM

The USA made line of Gretsch, are all hand made. Maple Custom, Renown and such are made here. The others are imports.

You get what you pay for.

Unfortunately even cars and trucks are all made overseas. That's why the job market here is so weak.

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.

BonzoStomp · #8 (**permalink**) 11-30-2009, 04:32 PM

actually, the Gretsch Renown and New Classic are both made in Taiwan and possibly in Reliance's new Chinese factory. The only line made in the states is the Gretsch USA.

**Tainojim** · #9 (**permalink**) 11-30-2009, 10:12 PM

Have you seen their latest "Catalog"? There are two Gretsch factories here on the East Coast.

There is also the "History of Gretsch Drums and how their made threads in the forum.

As far as which drums are made where, you'll see them in the catalog section at Gretsch Drums - USA Custom Drums, Snare Drums, New Classic Drums & More.

Even here in the USA, Mass production lines mess up allot when quantity instead of quality is used.

BonzoStomp · #10 (**permalink**) 12-01-2009, 01:04 PM

While I am still an avid Gretsch fan, I just do not like the abomonation of the Catalina Ash/Maple.

a 4 lug 8" tom that you have to make sure you hang at a particular angle so it doesn't bang against the shell.

6 lug 10" and 12" toms, 2.5mm hoops (probably the best thing about the shells) and a shell that has been microwave lacquered. (if you've ever seen a cat maple/ash shell that's been broken you would understand)

This does not represent the excellence that Fred wanted out there.

Mr. Liau from Reliance strives to build the Renown and New Classic as well as the USA Maple shells and does a dang good job at it. (The USA bass drums still kill the import stuff)

Tainojim, I am very, very familiar with the line....love them...I even like the Catalina Club series....very innovative when they came out.....but the catalina ash and maple really set their quality line pretty low.

The place of origin really doesn't matter to me, it's the quality that the builder puts out.

If you look at the cat maple/ash snare drum throws you will see something similar to the ddrum snare drums....or even the guitar center licensed OCDP snare drums have those throw offs.

So, I apologize for getting up on my soapbox.....I'll shut up now.