Ludwig vs. Pearl vs. Gretsch

Robraider · #1 (**permalink**) 06-13-2009, 11:58 AM

I've decided since my last post to wait, save more money and buy a better kit than the Rogers. Pearl makes the Forum kit which I like alot. Ludwig has a nice kit at my local music store I like alot. But recently I played a Gretsch Catalina kit and was blown away. Still undecided what I want to get and need some more opinions.

The deal is i listen to alot of music on headphones and play along to music like Stevie Ray Vaughn, Chicago, Led Zeppelin to name a few. So I want a kit that is versatile in the type of music that can be played on it. I like blues, rock, etc...

Help me out here drummers. Appreciate the feedback.

**Der Trommler** · #2 (**permalink**) 06-13-2009, 01:08 PM

The Gretsch Catalina (maple) is a step above the the Pearl Forum (poplar) and should sound considerably better as well as having better quality hardware and shells. You didn't say which Ludwig you were looking at so I can't toss an opinion at you on that one.

**Tainojim** · #3 (**permalink**) 06-13-2009, 04:25 PM

Try out all the brands including Tama, DW, Sonor and so on...
Seems like your taste is from mid line to a little high end if the budget fits. I also see that you want the best bang for the buck.

If you can afford custom drums, that would be the high end.

When you here the sound of the drums that please your ears, that will be the one kit. Remember that purchasing a kit is an investment that you'll be having for a log time. Sort of like a matrimony.

For your style of music, I would suggest the Gresch or DW. Ludwings only if you get one with a 24" bass, they have a softer sound unless you use a really hard kick.

The Gretsch Maple 20" bass sounds like a Ludwig 24" bass. I'm talking from experience.

Right Mr. Der.

**Der Trommler** · #4 (**permalink**) 06-13-2009, 06:07 PM

Hit it right on the head.

Zand · #5 (**permalink**) 06-14-2009, 01:05 AM

Gretsch or Ludwig no doubt man, Pearl just can't compete with their sound IMO. My Ludwig fits just about anything I want if given the right heads, tuning etc.

Infero Exicution · #6 (**permalink**) 06-14-2009, 08:42 AM

The Gretsch's snare has a nice pop to it but none of that like .5 second sustain.
the snare sound ends instantly. The hardware on the Catalina is very high quality, and the shells last a very long time and the finish gretsch puts on them protects them against damage.
I think you go with the Gretsch. The only thing you will get out of the forum is the big PEARL name on the bass drum.
Good Luck!

Robraider · #7 (**permalink**) 06-14-2009, 10:39 AM

I'm thinking the Gretsch sounds like the way to go from the posts here. I played the Catalina kit and was blown away. I'll be playing it again today. It's at my daughters house since a friend of hers has no room for it. Jammed for the first time with my son (bass) his buddy (electric guitar) and one of my daughters roommates (horn). First time I had ever done that since I started teaching myself drums and had and absolute blast. Very addictive.

What about Sonor? Any words on those?

I'm just trying to get as much information as I can and really appreciate all of your feedback guys.

**Der Trommler** · #8 (**permalink**) 06-14-2009, 10:58 AM

Sonor builds great drums, very sturdy and sound very nice as long as you stay away from the entry level kits. If we knew what you would be looking to spend, we could steer you to a couple of choices that would be the best for the buck.

Robraider · #9 (**permalink**) 06-14-2009, 11:19 AM

I'm looking at 7 to 8 hundred. With the economy the way it is, and from looking in music stores locally, I think I should be able to get a pretty decent kit for that amount. I just see lots of different kits right now and am trying to absorb all the feedback I can.

But when it comes down to it I will take all the feedback, sit down at these different kits and the sound is going to hit me. Same with the cymbals. There are sounds I absolutely love and catch my ear and others that are just too high and tinny for me.

Thank.