Ludwig v Gretsch

[adorno]

Hey I am thinking of upgrading my vintage kit (a '69 Hayman - a now defunct British kit). I'm looking for a similar vintage sound and have about £500 - £600 ($1000) to spend on a 3 piece shell pack (I have all the hardware and a Ludwig Supraphonic snare which I LOVE) and was thinking that both Ludwig or Gretsch are obviously classic brands and produce drums with the deep punchy sound suitable for indie/classic rock.

What do people think? The Catalina club looks cool but should I go for the birch or the mahogany shells? Is it worth saving the extra money for the Renown Maple (even though it could take me a while)?

And how do they stand up to the Ludwig equivalents, for instance the Ludwig Accent CS Custom or Custom Elite? (I fear the Classic Birch Series is out of my price range).

Any other ideas? Should I just stick with vintage?

Cheers!

[maddrummr]

I would save the extra money and get a renown maple. I have played those at my local music store and they sound really really nice. But I think that the catalina club over rules the accent elite if you dont want to save up more. Thats just my 2 cents.

[Synthetik]

The renown is an excellent line, depending on prices in your area, Mapex Saturn will fill that bill as well.

[adorno]

Thanks for the replies dudes. I think the Renowns will be out of my price range sadly. Anyone play a Ludwig Accent Custom CS kit? Any good?

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

Whatever you do, do NOT get rid of those Hayman's. If Bruford and Mitchell are anything to go by, they'll sound fantastic.

[tmv31]

I think that you should save up, if anything the catalina and accent would be a downgrade. I know the renowns are pretty much the USA's except with gibralter(very good) hardware. I just think you would be getting more in the long run. You should also look at the classic birch, they are surprisingly affordable(I have added up a 3 piece kit and it came to around 850 minus hardware).

[Synthetik]

I did some digging, and some Hayman drums are indeed of significant collectors value. I'd keep them.

The bit I found:
Neil Peart wanted Tama to make what became the artstars because of the Hayman design.

[adorno]

Thanks for the replies and the really useful info. My Hayman is still a lovely kit - it's been played to death now but it's still in good condition and sounds great. Plus I kept all the original heads suspecting it's worth a bit of money.

I guess I have had the kit for 10 years so fancied a change. But if and when I replace her I will probably pay that little bit extra for the Gretsch Renown/Customs.

Maybe I'll set her up and post some pictures......

[Sirwill]

PLEASE READ!

http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21506