Gretsch vs. DW drums

dermdoc · Not So Newbie Joined: 31 Jan 2007 Posts: 7

I'm in the market for a new drum set. I'm interested in Gretsch. Any thoughts on Gretsch vs. DW drums. I'm looking at high end /custom series. I play both rock and Jazz, with more emphasis on rock. Thanks. J.V.

Bish · King of the Jungle Joined: 19 Oct 2005 Posts: 1861

Welcome to Drumdogs.

I'm not an authority on either brand but I know High End DW's are used by many drummers. Watch most concerts on TV and the drummer now days is using DW's.
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dermdoc · Not So Newbie Joined: 31 Jan 2007 Posts: 7

Thanks!

bytor · Admin Joined: 12 Aug 2003 Posts: 5260 Location: Kansas

The Gretsch USA Custom kits should match up well with any DW kit, IMO.

dermdoc · Not So Newbie Joined: 31 Jan 2007 Posts: 7

Thanks for the info. J.V.

Dorian · Posted: Wed Feb 28, 2007 3:37 pm Post subject:

In the high end, most manufacturers hold their own, each with its own advantages. It then becomes a question of what you want, sizes, timbers, hardware and colours.

IMO, I like the Gretsch, but that's just my 5 cents

dermdoc · Not So Newbie Joined: 31 Jan 2007 Posts: 7

Thanks!

007david · Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2007 12:06 pm Post subject:

One thing I like about Gretsch is getting Gibraltar hardware. DW's hardware is good, but for me, I don't plan on using anything but Gibraltar (except for pedals, I like my Pearls).
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dermdoc · Not So Newbie Joined: 31 Jan 2007 Posts: 7

Thanks for the helpful info. J.V.

plixplixpdp · Posted: Sun Mar 04, 2007 2:34 pm Post subject:

It basically comes down to this. Since they are both very good kits, you should think about finish, hardware, and wood type. If I were you i would get a DW cause they have a lot of ficnish choices. Just my 5 cents
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dermdoc · Not So Newbie Joined: 31 Jan 2007 Posts: 7

Thanks for the input.

dermdoc · Not So Newbie Joined: 31 Jan 2007 Posts: 7

thanks for the input!

seeker1834 · Little Guppy Joined: 27 Oct 2007 Posts: 32

With DWs you're really just buying the name. Theres a lot of drums of equal or better quality for a much lower price, not to mention the fact that every high end drummer seems to have a DW. What ever happened to originality? Personally, id go with a gretsch.

kansasdrummer · Posted: Sun Nov 04, 2007 12:57 pm Post subject:

I agree, DW you just buy the name. I own two kits, and old rogers Big R and a Gretsch Catalina ash kit. The rogers is maple, yet, 30 years old, still sounds great. The gretsch is ash, and sells for 600 new. That is cheap and they are great. I have also played the Gretsch Renown Maple kit, that thing is outstanding! I have also read that DWs look cheap up close. But if I can get an amazing sound, good looks, and decent hardware out of a 600 dollor gretsch shell pack...id rather buy it then a very expensive DW. But afterall, it is your choice to make, not ours.

RemoteContact · Ferret Joined: 15 Jul 2006 Posts: 100 Location: Miami, FL

There IS a good reason that many top players (who could play and endorse whatever company they want) play DW. There is quality in the product. No doubt about it. The hardware is heavy as $%O and lasts. With any kit, besides the budget kits, you buy the name. I believe that DW does not cut corners in the way some other manufacturers do.

Cutting corners is not always a bad thing. Take for example some of the new "All-Maple" kits that, yes are all maple, but the inner plies are maple plywood and not solid plies of wood. This brings the cost way down while not sacrificing really all that much.

DW's quality is superb as are many other brands. I've always had bad experiences with Gibraltar hardware so thats a turn off to gretsch for me. I do own a Catalina Jazz that I adore and was cheap and sounds wonderful.

DW's surely do not look cheap up close. Go see a few for yourself. Obviously a cheesy finish looks cheap on any kit.

If you are still concerned about price, used DWs can be a steal. The value isn't as high as some of the overseas kits but I believe the quality to be higher.

Buying a different drumset for originality and uniqueness is the stupidest crap I have ever heard. Buy a drumset because you like the way it looks, feels, plays, and comforts you.

Your drumset has naturally to invite you to play it.