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Average of 83 User Ratings
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Awsome Kit
Posted by CtDrmmer1993 from CT on Mar 21, 2009
Experience w/product: I own it
Reviewer's Background: Active Musician
Reviewer's Play Style: Hardcore,Screamo,Rock
I love this kit, i play drums almost everyday and this set has not let me down in sound or quality.The snare has an awsome sound and the toms are dee just the way i like them. the 2nd floor tom is very cool to i use it alot.
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Don't think, just buy it
Posted by Drum obsessed from Hudson Valley, NY on Jul 27, 2008
Experience w/product: I own it
Reviewer's Background: active musician
Reviewer's Play Style: Rock, Big Band/Swing, Jazz, Musicals
Catalina Maple - Loud and cutting!!! I just bought this for loud, big band and heavy rock needs. The great Catalina Jazz was not meeting those needs (but great in every other way). They are everything you expect from a maple shell - bright, full and sharp. They must be hit with some guts to get them to sing when competing against amps and pas. The hardware quality was of better quality than expected. However, the 12" tom bracket doesn't hold without the memory clamp supporting it. The snare has one good tuning and sounds beautiful as a medium tuned woody 6" drum. I destroyed the factory heads in one gig and figured such since they are a bit thin and flimsy. But, they held their tuning and had a clean tone. Probably will replace with a medium coated or heavier clear head. They look beautiful, the finish is tops and the shell construction is solid. They are loud and I will not use them in small venues or where volume control is an issue. Look to the Catalina Jazz for those needs. Get both kits for under $1,500 and have the perfect tools for all your playing needs. It will fit in a Civic coupe, but you will be traveling alone!
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additonal information
Posted by JenaesDrummerDad from Bay Area on May 31, 2008
Experience w/product: I own it
Reviewer's Background: active musician
Reviewer's Play Style: Gospel,Funk,Latin
I felt compelled to write another review, based on a more accurate perception of this kit's sound. I took the snare drum to rehearsal,where it was mic'ed and (somewhat)e.q'ed.In other words,I was able to hear it in a controlled environment. It seemed to work best with high tuning. However, if you're accustomed to a bright, crisp-sounding snare drum, keep in mind this is a 6x14. So,even tuned up this drum will not sound that way. I stated earlier that I have a Joey Jordison; A 13"diameter and a steel shell make a huge difference in the tonal character. I would correct my last comment and say that this sanre sounds as good as the rest of the drums. I just wouldn't agree with the statement "wide tuning options".
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Great Gretsch Sound!
Posted by Scott Stage from New York, Hong Kong, Miami on May 20, 2008
Experience w/product: I own it
Reviewer's Background: Professional
Reviewer's Play Style: All
After using Yamaha and then Pearl drums for several years, I finally decided to try Gretsch drums and I am not disappointed!
I have owned and played all sorts of shells, from Poplar, Beech, Birch and of course Maple. I probably would have purchased this kit simply because of the price. How many kits of ANY wood do you get a beautiful lacquer finish like this? The Maple shells sold it for me The other was the factory heads, but really, for this amount they do have to cut costs somewhere. I simply ordered the Evans G2 pre-pack when I ordered the drums.
The drums arrived in two boxes and this is where you have to be careful and take your time. Most likely to cut costs, these drums are packed a little different then Yamaha and Pearl pack their drums. Be careful when unpacking as there are several metal pieces (legs/hoops, etc..) that are stuck within the packing and you could damage the shells if you aren't careful lifting everything out.
I didn't even bother with the factory heads and I put the Evans G2's right on. This kit sounds as good or better then my last Yamaha Maple kit. It is also significantly louder and more resonant. The toms and bass drum sounded great with just the initial tuning. The snare does take a little work and tuning it higher helped quite a bit.
For this quality at this price, don't expect Gretsch to make these much longer. Do not hesitate to purchase this drum kit! Thank you Gretsch!
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evrything I had hoped it would be...
Posted by Jenae'sDrummerDad from San Francisco Bay Area on May 17, 2008
Experience w/product: I own it
Reviewer's Background: active musician
Reviewer's Play Style: Gospel,Funk and Latin
I just set it up for the first time this afternoon. I was suprised at how easy the toms tuned (coated Emperors); tight and focused without sounding muffled. The kick sounds like thunder. The snare leaves a little to be desired, but I bought a Joey Jordison last year, so I 'm not complaining. This kit looks absolutely beautiful (red cherry finish). My only complaint:two holes are missing from the 16"floor tom rim, so I have to go back and get a replacement. Other than that, excellent product, especially for the money.
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