How is Gretsch?

**Tainojim** · #21 (**permalink**) 03-12-2010, 07:53 AM

Mr. Kona, what a coincidence, I got my kit as a retirement gift to myself with the help of the retirement present.

Also I settled for my dream kit, Gretsch USA Custom Maple with the Rosewood lacquer finish.
It was on display the the NAMM exhibition 5 years ago. I added an 18" floor tom, a second bass drum and a Gretsch black steel snare.. So it's a 9 pcs kit now.

It's a great feeling reaching your goal.

Kits this huge are really meant for studio or big live entertainment. Definitely not for gigs. I'm really happy with the structure of the kit in it's entirety.

Hope to see some pics soon here at DSC.

Here's what my kit looks like:
Flickr: tainojim's Photostream

Click on the link above to see my kit.

Contents: Gretsch USA Custom 6ply, gts suspension with rosewood lacquer finish.
7x8, 8x10, 9x12, 5x14, 4x14 (stee)12x14, 14x16, 16x20 x2, Ludwig 18x16 floor tom ( for that extra deep Umph)
All the drums with SKB Cases.
Double Gibraltar racks with ball type clamps including extension racks & 2 Rack Bags.
Zildjians:
Avedis New Beat Hi-Hat Top and Bottom 14"
Custom Sizzle Ride 20"
Medium Thin Crash 16"
Custom Splash 12"
Custom Splash 8"
Custom Crash Ride 18"
Oriental China 16"
Oriental China 14"
Small 4"& Large 6"Cow bells
Two Gibraltar curved rack systems with extensions.

Not as nice as Der Trommler's kit, but it's my color and it's paid for.

ChrisH · #22 (**permalink**) 03-12-2010, 10:19 PM

I have the Gretsch Catalina Maple and the Renown Maple. I can't even begin to say how good the drums are. I play both on a regular basis. I used to be a Ludwig guy, but now Ill not play anything but "That Great Gretsch Sound"

KONA · #23 (**permalink**) 03-12-2010, 10:35 PM

Tainojim
Checked out your little kit - haha. Very nice indeed! Lotsa gear there man. I sat behind the Rosewood Custom kit Cindy Blackman used at a clinic here in Vancouver in 2007. They're incredibly nice drum. I see you have fiber cases - that's a must for packing all that Jewlery around. Nice size snare drum - I like the 4" drums.

**Tainojim** · #24 (**permalink**) 03-13-2010, 12:37 PM

KONA, the only way I could describe the sound of this kit, is comparing it to the Bose table top radio.

These 20" bass drums sounds like the 24" Ludwig. The toms sound so clear and they don't have to be hit hard to get great tonality.

I'm very pleased with my kit and I'm still partial to Ludwig drum.

KONA · #25 (**permalink**) 03-13-2010, 02:06 PM

Tainojim
Yes - those Gretsch USA Custom drums of yours are SWEEET! Pretty well THE only reason I went for the Purewood African Mahogany over the Custom USA was I wanted a unique shellpack - in that there were only 60 to be made. The Canadian Gretsch rep at that time even sent me two large rings of Custom USA colour swatches - a one-time deal (his words) for me to look at. I had to send them back of course. The colour swatches were on actual drum shell pieces about two inch squares. That was really nice of him - a nice touch.

But I went for the AM Purewoods and he said it was a great choice. He said there was not much difference - if any - in the quality of the Purewoods and Custom USA drums. The difference is that the Custom USA have the Nitro Cellulose Lacquer finish - mine has a Polyester UV Clear Gloss finish.

Like I said - I've sat behind the Customs and they are absolutely to die for IMO, but I've never regretted chosing the AM Purewoods. They are astounding (quite an adjective - haha) drums - again - IMHO of course.

You have a real treasure there with your shellpack

Cheers,

Gary

PearlVSX · #26 (**permalink**) 05-12-2010, 10:24 AM

Just put a deposit on my second Gretsch Cat maple shell pack. Some purists will argue that the Asian made Gretsch drums are not Gretsch drums, but to that I say that for someone such as myself that is on a tight budget,,the Catalina Maple represents a great value and a excellent looking and moreover..sounding kit for the money.

The one that got away..

The new one on the way..

**Tainojim** · #27 (**permalink**) 05-12-2010, 04:24 PM

My assumption would be the fusion kit and not the Jazz.

Am I correct on that?

PearlVSX · #28 (**permalink**) 05-12-2010, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tainojim

My assumption would be the fusion kit and not the Jazz.

Am I correct on that?

If you are referring to mine.. It's the maple fusion 6 pc. 8x10, 9x12, 14x14, 16x16, 6x14sn, 18x22 in the new mocha fade lacquer.
This will be my second Cat maple. very exciting.

**Tainojim** · #29 (**permalink**) 05-12-2010, 05:06 PM

Catalina's are good drums. You got a beautiful kit.

As for the heads though, you gotta decide whether to keep the originals or change them. It's up to your taste in the sound you're looking for.

Good luck

PearlVSX · #30 (**permalink**) 05-12-2010, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tainojim

Catalina's are good drums. You got a beautiful kit.

As for the heads though, you gotta decide whether to keep the originals or change them. It's up to your taste in the sound you're looking for.

Good luck

Oh yeahh.. The stock heads are poo!
I already have a set of heads waiting for this kit! Evans GMAD kick drum batter head, G2 clear/EC resonant on toms and ST dry/Hazy 300 with a fresh set of PureSound Blaster wires (20std) Yeah buddy!