Gretsch New Classic

All Maple Shells, Die Cast Hoops, 10, 12, 14, 14x6.5, 18 & 20. Gold Glass/Glitter Finish. Evans G1 Coated on top with G1 Clear on bottom. Gretsch tom mounts included.

I played through the G1s tops pretty quickly and then went back to the G2s I usually play. The toms sound full,round, and punchy with the G2/Die Cast hoop combination. The sound is focused without being too short. True to die cast hoops, the tuning range is a bit short. One might consider swapping out the die cast for 2.3mm hoops for a wider tuning range or more sustain.

I found the snare sound to be a bit "boxy" when used with my usual head configuration (Power Center Rev Dot/Glass 300) so I switched out the top hoop for a 2.3mm. The drum has opened up considerably and now sits nicely in the tom/kick mix. A side note about the 6.5x14 snare: it is loud and proud! So much so that I can not use it in all applications. It is built for heavy back-beat playing and does it well!

The kick drum is a canon out of the box!!! I have since replaced the stock Clear EQ4 with a coated EQ4 which has resulted in a slightly warmer sound with a bit more focus.

I have had numerous gigs in the 4 months I've owned the kit. Every time I take it out I get stares and kind words. Sound guys love it and drummers and non-drummers alike look longingly. The wrap is gorgeous and they do a good job of putting the seam out of sight. I will say however, that I think they could have laid the seams together in a way that is a bit more attractive (they seem to overlay a little clumsily), but as I said, they do a good job of putting the seams out of sight.

The drums stay in tune remarkably well...and I dig in! This is prolly due to the die cast hoops being so sturdy. The tone is consistent through the entire dynamic range.

The included tom mounts are sturdy and perform well.

None needed yet, and there is a manufacturer's warranty.

Before I bought this kit, I shopped and shopped and shopped. I wanted something that would be versatile (rock,jazz,loud,soft,whatever) and looked classy. This kit has fulfilled all that and then some.

I've been playing professionally (playing for a living) for 10 years. My other kits are Premier Signia, Mapex Pro M, Pearl Session, and a Tama Art Star. Honestly, all the kits are cool in one way or another, bit the Gretsch is a much more open, honest, and characteristic drum sound. When I think about drum sound I would love to have, I always come back to Bonham. I won't say this is that sound, but it is in that vein.

I bought the 18 kick so as to use the kit in multiple applications. The tom sound is versatile enough when tuned properly. I will most likely purchase the 5.5 or 5x14 at some point. And, I think a 16 floor tom is in the future as well. Not that I'm disappointed with the drums I have, I'm just looking forward to additional sounds!!!