New to Gretsch

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

Well, I've been doing a ton of research and become very antsy about getting a quality drumset.

I've been purchasing the low to mid range models for too long and I'd never really ever been totally happy with the tones generated from these current kits. Heck, maybe it's me and I have no clue how to tune a drum.

But, as it is, I'm just never been totally happy with any kit I'd previously or currently own. So I went semi-crazy and stepped it up a notch or two.

Now I'm buying shell packs and having to buy hardware, as well. That's a new concept to me that makes purchasing a quality kit way more expensive than what I'm currently used to.

So for now, here is what I ordered and in Black Cherry. I was at my local GC and was very impressed with the sound quality of the display model. So I went ahead and ordered one with a Gibraltar rack and accessories.

Here's a link to the kit. I hope I like it. Wink

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Gretsch-Drums-Renown-Maple-Fusion-Shell-Pack-with-Free-8-Tom?sku=445684

I also got a better deal than what this link shows. I saved $100 on the price, and got free shipping, too. Very Happy

After I have them for a short time and get to use them, I'll report back on how they are.
_________________
Bish

"I play live as playing dead is harder than it sounds."

rritter · Posted: Wed Jul 25, 2007 8:09 am Post subject:

First, don’t let the picture deceive you. It does not come with a 14x14 floor tom but a 14x11 hanging tom, hardware is also extra. Your rack should take care of that issue. As for the Renown line many a professional uses this line of drum with great success. I’m sure you will like them. The one really nice feature of these kits are the cast rims.
Enjoy your new kit.
_________________
Now playing Slingerland, Gretsch, & Sonor Drums
http://www.j4fmusic.com

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

Thanks for the heads up on the floor tom.

I see the physical descriptions says 14X11. I went to the Gretsch website and they don't even list a 14X11 in their specs so I emailed the MF techs to get their take.

I don't mind if it's not a floor model, but I'll have to get another clamp. Rolling Eyes

_________________
Bish

"I play live as playing dead is harder than it sounds."

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

Congratulations on the purchase. Those are nice kits, and rritter is right. The die-cast hoops are a nice feature.

rritter · Posted: Wed Jul 25, 2007 7:05 pm Post subject:

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

Well MF let me down. I haven't heard anything from them. I had the order all placed and was awaiting a mid August delivery date.

HA!!!! I went to my local Guitar Center and they have the kit there with the 14" floor tom so I'm getting it from them. Along with a PDP dual cymbal holder/dual side bars rack assembly I am purchasing a DW 9000 bass drum pedal and hi-hat stand. And while I'm at it I ordered a Roc-n-soc drum thrown and I'm looking into a new snare, too.

I'm going to the Tama topics to discuss snares..... Twisted Evil

_________________
Bish

"I play live as playing dead is harder than it sounds."

rritter · Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 7:16 am Post subject:

The Gretsch Maple snare is a great drum and you should give that a good try before making another buy. I have this drum with my kit and it has great tone, full bodied sound, and volume. Give it a try first. And of course it has a 10 lug cast rim design.
Very Happy

_________________
Now playing Slingerland, Gretsch, & Sonor Drums
http://www.j4fmusic.com

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

Is that the one that you'd set up a link to that MF had on special for $150?

To date, I've never been happy with a snare that comes stock with a complete drum set.

I played 20 some different snares at GC and sadly, didn't like any of them. Not sure if it was tuning or head or shell but none have the sound I'm looking for.

I want a deep fat crack. Most that I tried were very high pitched and all snappy with no low-end boom. Am I asking for too much?

Should I be looking for a deeper snare? Maybe a 6.5 to 8" deep shell? I'm pretty sure I want wood to thicken the tone.

I'm not settling for anything less than die-cast hoops now either. Wink

_________________
Bish

"I play live as playing dead is harder than it sounds."

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

Most likely it was the tunings. Surely you could get a deep "thwack" out of some of the snares at GC. Wood makes sense, but don't completely rule out metal. Some metal snares can really slam. You might particularly want to check out any hammered metal snares you come across.

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

Thanks, bytor. Laughing

_________________
Bish

"I play live as playing dead is harder than it sounds."

rritter · Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 1:30 pm Post subject:

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

I went over to GC tonight and made one salesman very happy. I hurt myself, I think.

Here they are. I'll post more pix above. Wink

In this picture you can't tell but I am subbing my Mapex snare until I figure out what, if anything, I want. At the moment, I'm using my Mapex Black Panther at practice and may go retrieve that or pursue another new one. Rolling Eyes

More to come...
_________________
Bish

"I play live as playing dead is harder than it sounds."

rritter · Posted: Sat Jul 28, 2007 8:59 am Post subject:

Beautiful, I want. How do they sound?
_________________
Now playing Slingerland, Gretsch, & Sonor Drums
http://www.j4fmusic.com

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

Dorian · Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2007 5:09 pm Post subject:

Congrats, looks like a great kit. I have a Catalina Birch, but at time of purchase wished I had the $$$ for the renown