Ddrum or gretsch

drumma90 · #1 (**permalink**) 01-25-2009, 12:44 AM

I haven't decided on which drum set to chose between a Ddrum diablo or a Gretsch catalina. I plan on playing rock, hard rock, so im hoping you can help me.

kickassdrummer · #2 (**permalink**) 01-25-2009, 10:42 AM

The Catalina birch kits are excellent for the money - if that's what you're considering, I'd go that route. If you were thinking Catalina maple, I would keep saving and not get either of the kits you've mentioned, as they both have quality control issues.

**Tainojim** · #3 (**permalink**) 05-06-2009, 12:52 PM

Gretsch Catalina would be my choice.

Quality control issues?
Please post any information about this issue from a reliable source, so I can send it to the Gretsch company.

As for hard rock, I would suggest DW for that power sound.

Thank You

tomswift · #4 (**permalink**) 05-06-2009, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kickassdrummer

The Catalina birch kits are excellent for the money - if that's what you're considering, I'd go that route. If you were thinking Catalina maple, I would keep saving and not get either of the kits you've mentioned, as they both have quality control issues.

This is the first time I've EVER seen a post stating Gretsch maple Catalinas have quality control issues. Every post I've seen have been positive raves by Catalina owners.

tomswift · #5 (**permalink**) 05-06-2009, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tainojim

Gretsch Catalina would be my choice.

Quality control issues?
Please post any information about this issue from a reliable source, so I can send it to the Gretsch company.

As for hard rock, I would suggest DW for that power sound.

Thank You

Although DWs ARE good kits , their price range is about 4 to 5 times the cost of the sets drumma90 asked about.

don11817 · #6 (**permalink**) 05-06-2009, 09:09 PM

I have a Catalina Stealth and it sounds great and the hardware is great. The Stealth is slightly different from the other Catalinas: the badges don't say "Catalina" at all, they look like the Gretsch Renown badges, but black with Gretsch written right-side up and up-side down; the lugs are 50% offset, and all the hardware is black powder-coated. The kick is a thick and phat 24", with a 13" rack tom and a 16" floor tom...

So far, I love the kit. The onyl thing that has ever happened was the snare dropped tune on the first use on a new head while I was doing some rim-shots--but only on the lug next to where I was striking...

tomswift · #7 (**permalink**) 05-07-2009, 06:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by don11817

I have a Catalina Stealth and it sounds great and the hardware is great. The Stealth is slightly different from the other Catalinas: the badges don't say "Catalina" at all, they look like the Gretsch Renown badges, but black with Gretsch written right-side up and up-side down; the lugs are 50% offset, and all the hardware is black powder-coated. The kick is a thick and phat 24", with a 13" rack tom and a 16" floor tom...

So far, I love the kit. The onyl thing that has ever happened was the snare dropped tune on the first use on a new head while I was doing some rim-shots--but only on the lug next to where I was striking...

It's not uncommon for a lug to loosen especially on a new head. It often takes a little while for a head to "settle". With a new kit it's a good idea to loosen, remount and retune to get optimum head "seating".

**Tainojim** · #8 (**permalink**) 05-07-2009, 10:44 AM

Tomswift, you took the words right out of my head.

All new drum heads have to be over tightened just a little (sometimes you hear a small crack sound meaning that it is seated), and then loosened, and tightened again for the final tuning. Been doing that for over 50 years.

I never had a head problem (on the drums that is) on either a Gretsch or a Ludwig kit.

s3adog · #9 (**permalink**) 01-02-2010, 04:45 PM

Gretsch. Ddrum have QC issues.

**Tainojim** · #10 (**permalink**) 01-03-2010, 11:15 AM

QC as in quality Control?

Bottom line is that Gretch is the Keystone and DW is the Benchmarks of drums.

You get what your pay for whether it's top or low end. Same goes for the Ludwig line of drums.

drumma90, try before you buy.

Good luck on your quest & Happy New Year to all.