Advice on Maple vs Birch shells

[JarodMaybern]

So i'm looking to get a new kit and i'm bouncing between the Gretsch Catalina Maples and Tama Superstar SK's. The style of music i like to play is usually rock or pop.

i was thinking to go with the superstars with some coated batter heads for a warm sound on the birch but just wanted some other input before i commit.

so tell me from what you've heard or experienced.

Thanks.

[GRUNTERSDAD]

Neither sound is better, they are just different. Go listen and see what appeals to you.

[konaboy]

Neither sound is better, they are just different. Go listen and see what appeals to you.


That's really the best thing to do. The birch may be a little brighter in tone, the maple will be a little warmer.

[trkdrmr]

Well here are a couple clips of the Gretsch being played:

Tell us if you think they can rock:

Solo
1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1e-8U8Qnyw&feature=related

Metal
2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySSO9lbHgIA&feature=related

Think Gretsch maple can cut it?

[kwolf68]

Eye of the beholder. I like the warmth of maple personally, but you may opt for a different sound.

[DamoSyzygy]

The birch may be a little brighter in tone, the maple will be a little warmer.
Depending of course, on what you are doing with head selection and tuning...

[DamoSyzygy]

The birch may be a little brighter in tone, the maple will be a little warmer.
Depending of course, on what you are doing with head selection and tuning...

[hateplow]

The Tama has better hardware....

[shoedaddy]

The Tama Superstar doesn't have a birch shell; it's basswood, which is a cheaper wood. The Gretsch is 100% maple, which is a plus, but, in my opinion, the Tama has much better hardware and is a little bit better put together. If you want 100% birch, you can probably find a good deal on a new Starclassic Performer, which is professional-level and is a much better kit than either of the other two. The line has been discontinued (in place of the hybrid birch-bubinga kits), so what's left of the stock is pretty deeply discounted right now. Also, on the level of the Catalina Maple and the Superstar, you can get a Ludwig Accent Custom kit that is 100% birch and comes with a hardware package for about the same price as the other two.

[Old Doc Yak]

In the two Gretsch clips mentioned above, the drums are Renown Maple. I believe the Catalina Maple will sound somewhat different. IMHO.

[trkdrmr]

In the two Gretsch clips mentioned above, the drums are Renown Maple. I believe the Catalina Maple will sound somewhat different. IMHO.

Electronics can compensate, but unmic'd in person, the renown definitely sound better to me than the Catalina.

Here is a catalina club maple:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYapXyT8Ww4&feature=related

NOTE TO YOUTUBE DRUMMERS: Please learn to use video EDITING software. PLEASE delete the USELESS footage of you walking around the kit and screwing around before you play. All we need to see is the playing, not the fumbling.
Thanks!

[razorx]

The Tama Superstar doesn't have a birch shell; it's basswood, which is a cheaper wood. The Gretsch is 100% maple, which is a plus, but, in my opinion, the Tama has much better hardware and is a little bit better put together. If you want 100% birch, you can probably find a good deal on a new Starclassic Performer, which is professional-level and is a much better kit than either of the other two. The line has been discontinued (in place of the hybrid birch-bubinga kits), so what's left of the stock is pretty deeply discounted right now. Also, on the level of the Catalina Maple and the Superstar, you can get a Ludwig Accent Custom kit that is 100% birch and comes with a hardware package for about the same price as the other two.

It's birch with two plies of bass wood. 6 and 7 ply shells.

Our highest priority feature when developing the Superstar series was sound. Superstar shells use birch for the main inner ply for strong projection and aggressive open sound. To enhance Superstar's great looks, basswood, with its excellent consistency and regular grain patterns, is utilized for the inner ply on all Superstar shells as well as the outer ply on Superstar Custom SL. Precisely cut bearing edges bring out the great response and powerful resonance of these superbly crafted shells.

[JarodMaybern]

i like what razor just said. he seems to know what he's talking about....really well. as if he works for them.

but i've decided on the tama's cause i've been reading and catalina maple's aren't getting great reviews right now.

thanks for the help though people.

[PlaysforFun]

Maple vs. Birch ......I won't even start on this one.

[Big_Philly]

i like what razor just said. he seems to know what he's talking about....really well. as if he works for them.


He just copy-pasted the description of the superstar shells off the tama website.

[DrewTheShoe]

He just copy-pasted the description of the superstar shells off the tama website.

Ever vigilant, Philly.

But in response to the OP, they really just have two different sounds:

Let's say you had clear Ambs over clear Ambs on all the drums, tuned the same. The differences would be:

Birch- More attack, brighter tone, less sustain, tad bit more punch
Maple- More resonance, more warmth, more sustain, less of a defined sound

I myself own the Superstars, and they are quality drums. The one ply of basswood really does not affect the sound at all, it's still a birch drum.

[Buzter]

both are great. bill bruford said once, a drum is a drum is a drum. I know that Granstars were Birch. I have a friend who had a set in the early 90's. That thing sounded fandamntastic. Even with loose pinstripes the sound was immense.

[razorx]

He just copy-pasted the description of the superstar shells off the tama website.

Lol yep. I didn't feel like typing it all. Even though that's what i was going to say. Superstars are great.