Gretsch Catalina Maple or Pearl Export? [Archive] - DRUMMERWORLD OFFICIAL DISCUSSION FORUM

ECVail

03-09-2007, 12:37 AM

My very humble and uneducated opinion would be go Catalina Maple. If for no other reason than you're getting a 100% maple kit, as opposed to poplar, at an intermediate/entry level price.

massmusic.net has the Catalina maple for $699 (no hardware) plus you get a free 16x16 floor tom and some other free stuff (sticks, throne or gift card). Hardware packs are an add-on, but still pretty reasonable.

hawk9290

03-09-2007, 01:15 AM

Over the Export, I would take the Catalina Maple. For the $400 difference in price between the Catalina Maple ($699) and the new maple Export ECX (I've seen it around $1100-$1200), I would go with the Catalina always!

Drummer Karl

03-09-2007, 03:22 PM

I would personally go definitly for a Gretsch Catalina Maple.
The Export drums sound also pretty good I noticed but I find them a bit overpriced. Doesn`t matter how legendary the series is on the market.

I think that the wood is the biggest difference when buying some Catalina Maples:

- MAPLE shells, in my opinion much better than some poplar shells
Love the finishes and the hardware. Also the shell quality is great. Yeah, you would get this great great Gretsch sound, I find them much more unique.

So overall the Gretsch would be my first choice...but I don`t say that the Exports are bad. Just overpriced I think, and I don`t like all the features and adjustments of em THOUGH the foot pedals are cool.

http://www.woodbrass.com/images/woodbrass/GRETSCH+CATALINA+MAPLE+FUSION+22+AMBER.JPG

Karl

tamadrummer132

03-09-2007, 05:19 PM

catalina.

exports are... EEK

+ the finishes on catalinas are pimpshiznit

Gibbersticks

03-09-2007, 06:46 PM

I had a pearl export for way too long and I hated them. The only reason I even had them is because I got such a good deal on them that I couldn't say no. I got the Catalina maple a month or so ago and they are WAY better. I will use these babies till I can afford to buy a pro level kit.

DWfan20005

03-09-2007, 06:54 PM

I've never dissapointed with Gretsch so I put my money on Gretsch Drums.

teejcombos

03-09-2007, 07:06 PM

i haven't had much experience with either but i must say... man, do i despise my export EXR snare. the bearing edges on the bottom are....... truly awful. totally out of whack. i can't tune the resonator properly.

GarrettEvans

03-09-2007, 07:25 PM

Gretch a hundred times over!

dom

03-10-2007, 12:47 AM

i have a gretsch catalina maple in amber and i play (when i dont bring my set) an older export at school. I would go with the catalina maple the two sets dont even compare(to me)

the gretsch rims like mounting simple easy ball tilters are way easier to use than pearls iss mounts with the big bulky hardware.

i have only played one pearl export and that is the one the school has i dont see how pearl sells them with such a high price so because i have never had a good experance with pearl i have come to hate most pearl things so i have a very one sided view but i would go with the gretsch here is some pics of mine

http://drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24338

Class A Drummer

03-10-2007, 01:11 AM

Gretsch Catalinas Are nice drums. Although i am a Pearl Man myself, i have lately been getting really into Gretschs. I consider them to be close to the session level myself.

MapleCustom2B

03-10-2007, 06:53 AM

Catalina is the better option in my opinion.

MC2B

rendezvous_drummer

03-10-2007, 07:21 AM

The export does not even compare to the gretsch tbph. I'd opt for the Gretsch or even the Yamaha Stage Custom or Tour Custom.

harryconway

03-11-2007, 08:10 AM

Pearl is dropping the Export line for the Vision (birch and basswood shells), with the exception of the Export Custom (upgrade to 100% maple shells). So probably expect the old line to get the blow-out price treatment. I haven't seen either of the new kits. As far as the older Export kits go, the Gretsch would be my choice. Durability? Thrash your equipment and it's gonna break. Treat it well and you'll get years worth of use out of it. Best sound? That's for your own ears to decide. Most entry/intermediate level kits have to sacrifice something to keep them "affordable". That something is usually sound and/or flexibility.

hawk9290

03-11-2007, 06:26 PM

I would much rather have a Mapex ProM over the new ECX's, they are comparable price, and I think the ProM's blow the ECX out of the water

max77

03-11-2007, 06:35 PM

Gretsch Catalina Maple or Pearl Export?

Gretsch.

radurader

11-15-2007, 02:16 PM

You guys have me worried now, I just purchased a Pearl Export Custom ECX-925FPS. I havent received them yet but I got them at a great deal. I was originally going to go with the Catalina Maple but found the Export Customs for about the same price range and thought for sure it was the way to go. Ive had Pearls before but thought about changing until this opportunity came up. So what do you say about comparing the Catalina Maple to the Export Customs??

GRUNTERSDAD

11-15-2007, 02:21 PM

That great Gretsch sound.

Cymbalrider

11-15-2007, 05:53 PM

The Gretsch Catalina Maple kits would be my vote. Every Pearl thing I have ever seen has been terrible quality. I've seen many Pearl drum sets, snares, marching drums, and hardware and all have not been worth the price they cost. Now with Pearl coming out there and announcing their Reference series with the sophisticated science between their shell construction when just old style 3-ply mahogany drums sounded the best, proves they don't know what they are talking about over there. Pearl's durability is also something to be desired. If you want to blow money on expensive kits, go with a TAMA, at least they are well constructed, even though they have features you will never use or need. Gretsch is really coming back and making a name for themselves lately. The Catalina Maples sound amazing and are certainly a bargain. They are about half the price for what I paid for a Pro M two years ago in the same configuration. They just don't come in a variety of colors though. I don't have much experience with Gretsch, so I can't comment on their construction. At least, I know they sound better than the Pearls

drumr0

11-15-2007, 05:55 PM

Gretsch, Gretsch, Gretsch, all the way. Played some Exports a few weeks ago in a competition and would have been much happier with any of Gretsch's offerings.

Dj412

11-15-2007, 06:26 PM

mann Gretsch all the way!
I currently have a Gretsch Catalina Birch and its amzing for what it is.
no joke.
Im currently looking into Truth Custom Drums
but Gretsch is better than Pearl any day.
Congratulations on your purchase though!
Wouldn't have been my decsion but hey, taste differs right?

radurader

11-15-2007, 06:39 PM

Damn, sounds like I should have stuck to my guns. I liked the Gretschs but I would have thought the pricier Pearls would have been better quality than the lesser Gretsch's but from what I hear the Gretsches are pretty great. Guess the Pearls will have to do until its time to upgrade!! :(

Skitch

11-15-2007, 08:32 PM

I think you will be happier with the Gretsch in the long run.

Mike

http://www.mikemccraw.com
http://www.dominoretroplate.com

http://www.youtube.com/drummermikemccraw
http://www.myspace.com/drummermikemccraw

LiveGoat

11-15-2007, 09:11 PM

Don't sweat it. There's no reason why you shouldn't get a perfectly fine sound from your exports. I know a drummer who gigs professionally and he's recorded albums with his exports and they sound great on record. And, considering the acoustic qualities of most venues, no one's gonna notice the difference in an export kit and a "higher end" kit. Keep in mind that a less expensive kit today is of a vastly higher quality compared to similar kits 10 years ago. 90 percent of the kit's sound is in the heads and tuning and when recording, in the micing. Here's what I would do: Take really good care of your exports and save up some cash. When your ready, sell them and take that money with your savings and get a higher end kit. In the meantime, use your cash to get some good cymbals, if you don't have some already. Keep in mind that you're gonna probably buy a few different kits before you shuffle off your mortal coil. Such is the curse of drum envy!

---LG

Damn, sounds like I should have stuck to my guns. I liked the Gretschs but I would have thought the pricier Pearls would have been better quality than the lesser Gretsch's but from what I hear the Gretsches are pretty great. Guess the Pearls will have to do until its time to upgrade!! :(

metal overlord

11-16-2007, 03:59 AM

IMHO Gretsch by far. A Catalina maple sounds incredable for a mid range drum set. Exports are 100% poplar shells, giving you a really high, poppy sounding drums. Maple on the other hand gives low with rich tone.

NIMBY

11-16-2007, 04:14 AM

like every other post thats on this thread, go the gretsch. if i had enough money i would buy one myself

rhythmjunkie

11-16-2007, 05:56 PM

Getsch Catalina.

Gretsch makes probably the brightest and throatiest drums on the market, which is what I gravitate towards. I play a Yamaha kit, but Gretsch is a close second. That Gretsch kit will give back to you way more than that Export ever could, in my mind.

my sacred music

11-18-2007, 05:43 PM

GreTsch.............

Class A Drummer

11-18-2007, 10:45 PM

Catalina all the way. Exports are really good, but whether its sound quality, or price, I believe Gretsch Catalina beats the export.

drummerboy417

11-18-2007, 10:56 PM

Not to beat a dead horse here, but I would also recommend the gretsch-- I bought a set a few months ago and have been very pleased with the sound so far.

nhzoso

11-20-2007, 05:24 AM

tizzdizz

11-20-2007, 11:25 PM

Wow, I've never seen such a unanimous vote on one of these either/or posts! That said, I have an export, and am constantly wishing I had something else. It's not a bad kit, but it's just so tame and unremarkable. Nothing to set it apart. Not to mention the wood type. I do get an OK sound out of mine, and I should be fine with them, but the grass is ALWAYS greener.

dom

11-21-2007, 12:48 AM

I am seriously thinking of getting a Gretsch catalilna Maple also, they have that exact kit 6 piece in tobacco fade for $700 here also. Wish they had more color choices.

I take it they don't have the silver sealer or 30 degree edges of the renown's though. They look and sound nice but it kills me to pay $700 for them when a few months ago I could have had Fourstrings renowns for nearly the same price...arrrrggghhhh,

Anyway I am sure that the Catalina Maples are a good upgrade over the Sonor 3003 Maple/Basswood? And a better deal over the Exports, although I must admit that about 50% of the local bands I see here use Exports and they sound very good.

The catalinas would be an upgrade. They are great drums, but don't have the sig gretsch 30 degrees or sealer. IF you want the sealer a guy at drumshed or ghostnote has the recipe, and getting the edges cut to 30s wouldn't cost that much at all....but then again I have the catalina maple in amber and love them. they have double 45s and rock. They are great for Jazz tuned up or rock tuned low. here is my set http://drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32924

nhzoso

11-21-2007, 03:20 AM

The catalinas would be an upgrade. They are great drums, but don't have the sig gretsch 30 degrees or sealer. IF you want the sealer a guy at drumshed or ghostnote has the recipe, and getting the edges cut to 30s wouldn't cost that much at all....but then again I have the catalina maple in amber and love them. they have double 45s and rock. They are great for Jazz tuned up or rock tuned low. here is my set http://drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32924

Very nice, is that them playing on the audio file for your saluda's? They sound great and very good playing too.

Mystic

12-01-2007, 05:46 AM

I really don't see why you guys dislike the export so much... I mean I have a 7 piece export and get a great sound out of it but I just had to tune it with the right heads to my ear. It also can get a nice low sound just because it is poplar doesn't mean it's high and poppy sounding, but I really don't think you can go wrong with a set in that price range because I have heard Gretch's Mapex's Pearl's Tama's PDP's all kinds of sets and they all sound nice if you take the time to tune them to your liking.

metal overlord

12-01-2007, 06:02 AM

harryconway

12-01-2007, 09:56 AM

... Now with Pearl coming out there and announcing their Reference series with the sophisticated science between their shell construction when just old style 3-ply mahogany drums sounded the best, proves they don't know what they are talking about over there. Pearl's durability is also something to be desired...
I wouldn't dismiss the Reference series at all. You may not like to sound. So be it. Every Refrence kit I've seen has been flawless. Well constructed. Definitely worthy of competing in that class/price range of drums. And the Masterworks: http://www.pearldrum.com/mworder.asp What drum company lets you choose blends of woods to make up your interior, middle and exterior plys? No, as far as the higher end drums go, Pearl has it together. Saw Will Calhoun slammin' a Pearl kit with Living Color (1988-Vivid-Cult of Personality). Saw Steve Adler slammin' a Pearl kit when G'N'R hit the scene. 1987. Saw Jeff Porcaro 3 times with Toto, always driving a Pearl kit.

aydee

12-01-2007, 10:27 AM

I wouldn't dismiss the Reference series at all. You may not like to sound. So be it. Every Refrence kit I've seen has been flawless. Well constructed. Definitely worthy of competing in that class/price range of drums. And the Masterworks: http://www.pearldrum.com/mworder.asp What drum company lets you choose blends of woods to make up your interior, middle and exterior plys? No, as far as the higher end drums go, Pearl has it together. Saw Will Calhoun slammin' a Pearl kit with Living Color (1988-Vivid-Cult of Personality). Saw Steve Adler slammin' a Pearl kit when G'N'R hit the scene. 1987. Saw Jeff Porcaro 3 times with Toto, always driving a Pearl kit.

Here is a reference kit played by Dave DiCenso. Both sound pretty good..huh ?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxD2PxN10zc

Mystic

12-01-2007, 11:01 AM

Yeah...but sure Pearl exxies are nice, but comparing poplar to maple is like particalboard to bubinga...
Well thats kind of why I'm wondering y a gretsch maple set is like 1/4 the price of a pearl masters... you know what I mean and you also get more pieces out of the gretsch and the masters is only a shell pack but all in all u cant compare poplar to maple because poplar is a substitute for maple thats like way off the charts but it really gets me how pearl gets away with 2k for masters and gretsch only goes for like 700 u know if anyone can tell me plz tell me because it is totally throwing me off

Rockingfreakapotamus

12-01-2007, 12:01 PM

Gretsch . . . hands down.

Best drums on the planet in my opinion.

:)

radurader

12-01-2007, 04:13 PM

Well, turns out my deal for the Export Customs isnt going through, the dude on EBAY quoted me an extremely wrong shipping price so I got my money refunded and am looking at Gretsch now. Looked at and heard a set at the local music shop and was impressed!

harryconway

12-01-2007, 10:09 PM

...masters is only a shell pack but all in all u cant compare poplar to maple because poplar is a substitute for maple thats like way off the charts but it really gets me how pearl gets away with 2k for masters and gretsch only goes for like 700 u know if anyone can tell me plz tell me because it is totally throwing me off
Pearl Masters http://www.pearldrum.com/masters.asp and Pearl Masters Custom http://www.pearldrum.com/masters-mcx.asp totally different league from the Gretsch Catalina. I didn't see "poplar" as a wood choice in either of the Pearl Masters series. The Gretsch Renown series is more in line with "competing" with the Masters, and then you have the Gretsch USA Maple. I think a big part of Gretsch's pricing is that they're trying (and succeeding) to make a big comeback right now. Tama was the "big dog" for a long time. Pearl made their more in the 90's to wrestle artists (and sales) away from Tama. Where was and who was playing Gretsch in the 90's? Their high end drums were (and still are) fabulous. The Blackhawk and Nighthawk series, basic forgettable drums. Along come the Catalina's, and Gretsch is back in the fight.

nx1600

12-01-2007, 10:17 PM

I have a set of Catalina Maples, they are a great set of drums, and if you figure the price, That makes it extra sweet. Now, They are made in China, (not that that is necessarly bad) You don't get too many color choises, but.. But they have a good sound. (and sound is what matters...)

Mystic

12-07-2007, 12:06 AM

Pearl Masters http://www.pearldrum.com/masters.asp and Pearl Masters Custom http://www.pearldrum.com/masters-mcx.asp totally different league from the Gretsch Catalina. I didn't see "poplar" as a wood choice in either of the Pearl Masters series. The Gretsch Renown series is more in line with "competing" with the Masters, and then you have the Gretsch USA Maple. I think a big part of Gretsch's pricing is that they're trying (and succeeding) to make a big comeback right now. Tama was the "big dog" for a long time. Pearl made their more in the 90's to wrestle artists (and sales) away from Tama. Where was and who was playing Gretsch in the 90's? Their high end drums were (and still are) fabulous. The Blackhawk and Nighthawk series, basic forgettable drums. Along come the Catalina's, and Gretsch is back in the fight.

well thats y I'm wondering how pearl sells their maple shell packs for like 4x the price of a bigger gretsch shell pack and why pearl's export/poplar series cost just as much or more than the gretsch maple cuse they are using pearl's top of the line wood on lower end kits for 1/4 the price unless the masters is made much better than the catalina unless the wood choice really isn't that big of a difference which I think a lot of the sound comes from the room you are in and the heads on the drums but thats just me.

metal overlord

12-07-2007, 12:34 AM

Ok, this is going to be short and sweet. Maple sounds better than poplar, Gretsch is a superior company. Pearl is nice, but why spend more money on a kit that isn't close to as good as a Catalina is? That wasn't short, but it sums thing up a bit.

metal overlord

12-07-2007, 12:38 AM

well thats y I'm wondering how pearl sells their maple shell packs for like 4x the price of a bigger gretsch shell pack and why pearl's export/poplar series cost just as much or more than the gretsch maple cuse they are using pearl's top of the line wood on lower end kits for 1/4 the price unless the masters is made much better than the catalina unless the wood choice really isn't that big of a difference which I think a lot of the sound comes from the room you are in and the heads on the drums but thats just me.

What makes the masters sound better or worse than a catalina/renown is to the owners ear. It's what they think is what matters. Cheaper doesn't mean inferior, nor does the fact Pearl is a big huge well-rated company. Also, with Pearl, your paying to have the name "Pearl" on your drums. Not just the drums. Plus, their session series sounds just as good as a masters, and its about half the price. Why? Because the masters is "master". You pay to have "Masters" and "pearl" on your drums, the shells, and pretty much everything else.

Mystic

12-07-2007, 06:14 AM

well I guess I won't be buying a master unless I win the lottery but I am also looking for a top of the line set to use for the rest of my life even if it goes in the thousands range and I'm hellbent between what makes the top of the line different from the bottom and if that catalina set isnt top of the line than what is? or should I say is it the name that makes it top of the line or the quality

dom

12-07-2007, 06:24 AM

Very nice, is that them playing on the audio file for your saluda's? They sound great and very good playing too.

yep that was them in the recording. I have them tuned lower, because i have been playing more rock orientated stuff recently but when they are tuned up they really sing! I use g1 coated or clear batter heads and still have stock reso heads and it just takes a few turns of the drum key to get the sound i want. These drums are by far the easiest i have ever tuned, and sound great.

danmroe

12-03-2009, 06:01 PM

Right I have heard alot of points about why the catlinas are so cheap.

For a start, they are NOT 100% maple shells, its a maple formula shell, and uses maple inner and outer ply's combined with filler plys, although I do not know the exact ply composition.

Another way they came them so cheap is lack of options. There is only 1 configuration and 4 finishes. The heads also are pretty cheap, but most stock heads are.

However, I am still choosing a catalina maple for my next set, as I believe they offer incredible sound for the money and I really want a 2 up 2 down setup.

stillgroovin

12-03-2009, 10:22 PM

I was told by a Gretsch factory rep that the shells are in fact 100% maple. He said that they use that terminology to distigiush the ply shells from the solid maple shells in other drums lines.

wy yung

12-04-2009, 02:16 AM

Something has happened that has changed my mind dramatically regarding the best kit in this price range. I played a Ludwig Elemental. Unbelievable!

That is what I now recommend.

GRUNTERSDAD

12-04-2009, 02:24 AM

The Gretsch Catalina Maple Series is a serious choice if you're looking for an all-maple, professional-sounding drum set at an affordable price.

From the website and Musicians Friend

But then I see the term "maple formula" thin shells.

idk alex

12-04-2009, 05:01 AM

I have the gretsch catalina maple. I absolutely love it, However I am selling it for a SJC custom kit. The Snare and 12" tom are my favorite, the floor toms are mehh.. And I havent played the 10" in a long time, right now im only using snare/bass/12" and 14" Its a pretty good set up..
I recommend the set

nahtanoj

12-04-2009, 07:55 AM

I've owned the Gretsch Catalina maple in cherry red for about 8 months now and I gotta say it rocks. My only frustration with it (minor) is that I find the tom mounts to be a bit limiting in terms of configuration. But with enough tweaking you'll figure out how to get them to obey. That 16" tom that comes "free" with the kit is a woofer. I mean all the toms sing like crazy, but that one is just ridiculous. And you will not be disappointed with the kick.
I am a newbie to drumming, been playing about a year now. I am also a trombonist and have been playing the trombone for years. When I went to get my current trombone I played every model trombone, every single one I could get my hands on. I even played multiple instruments of the same model to find that one that was right for me. I did this because, having played the trombone for so long, I know exactly what I'm looking for in a trombone. But I didn't do this when I went drum shopping. I found a great deal on a scratch-and-dent Gretsch, so I snatched it up. I think if you know exactly what you want out of a drum set (or even sort of) and have the time to give, play a bunch of drum sets. In other words, I caution you on buying set that appeals to you on name alone or even based on others' opinions. Use them as a starting point and find what you like and what you want.
Having said all that, if its a toss up, get the Gretsch. You won't be disappointed.