PDP Platinum Finishply, Pearl Masters Custom MCX, or Gretsch Renown Purewood?

[jondrumming]

http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=24643&stc=1&d=1234739814
http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=24644&stc=1&d=1234739814
http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=24645&stc=1&d=1234740091

The Pearl and Gretsch shell packs are around $2500, while the Pacific shell pack is around $2000.

Which kit would you recommend? Which has the highest quality sound, best features, best customizability, etc.

[joshisaces]

Not a fan of pearl and that pdp looks great! I would go with the pdp.

[genericdrummingusername]

I'm not gonna knock the other two, but you knoe what I think. =D

[Cypriss]

Personally never been a big fan of Pearl Drums(that finish is hideous). I've played both the top of the line PDP but not the platinum series(looks like they just have new Hardware to me) and the renowns. PDP make great drums no doubt about that. but i would wanna stand out in the crowd and have those Purewood Renowns. They look great and the sound is just magical. For me its Gretsch all the way.

[aydee]

Not a fan of Pearl either, but I hear good things about the MCX..

..no contest. The Gretsch.

[trkdrmr]

That Gretsch completely owns the rest of those kits, in pretty much every way.

Solid wood >plastic wrap

[PDPAnimal]

Don't knock the Platinums untill you have played them. sure i may be a little biased,
but for the price, i dont think they can be beat.
I own the Platinums in a Black Mirra finish. not only do they look beautiful, but they sound much, much better then the pdp's of the past. North American Maple, flawless edges, and beautiful finishes.
I have had many compliments from people in the audience while at gigs about the sound produced from these drums, and that is with the stock heads still on them.
I figured they still sounded good when i purchased them, and decided to hold off untill i had a few more bucks. i cant wait to hear what they sound like with some better heads on them.

[trkdrmr]

Don't knock the Platinums untill you have played them. sure i may be a little biased,
but for the price, i dont think they can be beat.
I own the Platinums in a Black Mirra finish. not only do they look beautiful, but they sound much, much better then the pdp's of the past. North American Maple, flawless edges, and beautiful finishes.
I have had many compliments from people in the audience while at gigs about the sound produced from these drums, and that is with the stock heads still on them.
I figured they still sounded good when i purchased them, and decided to hold off untill i had a few more bucks. i cant wait to hear what they sound like with some better heads on them.

I have played them, just now as a matter of fact while ordering my imac at GC.
The platinums are indeed nice, but the purewoods sound and finish are better. The purewood walnut and bubinga both sound more powerful to me than the pdp maple does, especially on the low end. Maybe if I were to gauge my experience, I'd say pdp=excellent, Purewood=extraordinary.

[PDPAnimal]

my only complaint is the snare.
i just cant seem to find the sound i'm looking for, (again, this could be a product of the stock heads) but the toms, (i have a 10,12,rack, and 14, 16 floor) are super easy to tune.

[genericdrummingusername]

I have played them, just now as a matter of fact while ordering my imac at GC.
The platinums are indeed nice, but the purewoods sound and finish are better. The purewood walnut and bubinga both sound more powerful to me than the pdp maple does, especially on the low end. Maybe if I were to gauge my experience, I'd say pdp=excellent, Purewood=extraordinary.

Well, there's still price to consider. And Hardware.

[trkdrmr]

Well, there's still price to consider. And Hardware.

The PDP is a solid kit for the money... it would suit the needs, and cost maybe 50% of the purewood.

Note: many of the purewood kits shipped complete with a gibraltar rack.

[aydee]

Well, there's still price to consider. And Hardware.

What about the hardware?

[genericdrummingusername]

What about the hardware?

I'm talking stands and stuff, which I'm guessing comes cheaper than Gibraltar, and just as solid.

[aydee]

I'm talking stands and stuff, which I'm guessing comes cheaper than Gibraltar, and just as solid.

A played a few nice sounding PDPs, but calling the hardware almost as good as Gibraltar is a bit of a stretch for me. Sorry.

[genericdrummingusername]

A played a few nice sounding PDPs, but called the hardware almost as good as Gibraltar is a bit of a stretch for me. Sorry.

Agree to dissagree.

*suppresses rage*

[jondrumming]

Ok, so the Pearl is kinda out for now, wasn't too crazy about it to begin with. I've been looking closer at the Renowns, and MAN they are beautiful, probably some of the best looking drums I've ever seen!

However, one issue I forgot about before: Which kit (out of all three) is the best around? What I'm trying to say is I'm not looking for a kit just for jazz, or just for rock, but for like rock, jazz, hip-hop, metal, punk, etc. EVERYTHING, because you never know, music tastes can jump around, and you never know what kind of gig you may be offered.

SO. In terms of looks and reviews/feedback, I would say that the PDPs and Renowns are in the lead, with the Pearl Masters falling WAY behind. I have a funny feeling that we're going to have a little showdown between Pacific and Gretsch, both are good companies, no GREAT companies, but who, ultimately, is better? Does age make a difference? I would imagine it does, as Gretsch has been around WAY longer than PDP, let alone DW...

[trkdrmr]

SO. In terms of looks and reviews/feedback, I would say that the PDPs and Renowns are in the lead, with the Pearl Masters falling WAY behind. I have a funny feeling that we're going to have a little showdown between Pacific and Gretsch, both are good companies, no GREAT companies, but who, ultimately, is better? Does age make a difference? I would imagine it does, as Gretsch has been around WAY longer than PDP, let alone DW...

Youtube contains many examples of Gretsch being used for every genre. The purewood (especially bubinga) is a more powerful kit than pdp maple.

[TenPastTen]

The Purewood is one of 100. Pretty noteworthy when it comes to resale, etc. To my knowledge the Purewood comes shellpack only (according to MD review) so consider hardware costs. These are considerations outside of sound. You must exhaust every effort to hear the drums. It's too much money to risk being surprized.

Is it not cool to reiterate the buy used advice from the other thread?

[razorx]

That Gretsch completely owns the rest of those kits, in pretty much every way.

Solid wood >plastic wrap

I agree here. And the pearl mounting system is a turn off to me.

[Solaris]

"Pearl mouting system..." You mean the old Cold War scraps they cut up and stick on drums?


Personally the PDP and the Renown would be my choices. I'm a big fan of the Platinum's features, basically a DW Collectors made in Mexico. Same shell, same hardware technology, just limited to a set of finishes and sizes.

I've heard great things about the Renowns but have never played or seen one, so I have 0 input on them, but please don't go with the Pearl, you'll take it home, go to play it and think "I should have gotten the PDP/Gretch."

[jondrumming]

"Pearl mouting system..." You mean the old Cold War scraps they cut up and stick on drums?


Personally the PDP and the Renown would be my choices. I'm a big fan of the Platinum's features, basically a DW Collectors made in Mexico. Same shell, same hardware technology, just limited to a set of finishes and sizes.

I've heard great things about the Renowns but have never played or seen one, so I have 0 input on them, but please don't go with the Pearl, you'll take it home, go to play it and think "I should have gotten the PDP/Gretch."

Haha Cold War scraps... you got that right, they're awful...

Anyway, I agree with you about the going home and regretting it. I think I'm going to officially narrow it down to the Gretsch and PDP, although I do have one question: I'm sure you can purchase an additional 8" tom, how much would it cost? I'll look it up, but do any of you know off-hand what it is approx.?

[TenPastTen]

There are no add ons to the Gretsch Purewood. Period. It comes 10,12,14,16, 22. Which of course is quite versatile.

[jondrumming]

There are no add ons to the Gretsch Purewood. Period. It comes 10,12,14,16, 22. Which of course is quite versatile.

Oh, okay. So... I suppose PDP would be the way to go if I plan on expanding/adding on, and Gretsch would be the best option for sticking with the 6-piece.

Tough choice, people are saying great things about both...

[BattleArmor]

Personally I would go with the Gretsch. Do you really need an 8" tom?

[jondrumming]

Personally I would go with the Gretsch. Do you really need an 8" tom?

NEED, probably. I play a lot of different kinds of things, which require a bunch of different sounds. For example, for a 4-tom fill, I would use the 10,12,14, and 16 for something like metal, but for jazz, I might use the 8,10,12, and 14.

The fact that it is possible to expand the PDP it in the future (13" tom, 2nd bass drum) is definitely drawing me towards it.

[GRUNTERSDAD]

Gretsch has been around for 125 years. DW and PDP about 40 I think.
Those Purewood Renowns are to die for. I'm biased too but you are talking about Gretsch man.

[trkdrmr]

Gretsch has been around for 125 years. DW and PDP about 40 I think.
Those Purewood Renowns are to die for. I'm biased too but you are talking about Gretsch man.

I am also biased in that the purewoods I tried blew away maple kits. And the finish is superb!

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

No shadow of a doubt - buy the Gretsch.

[genericdrummingusername]

PDP, expandibility, versatility, afordability, Weee!

[drumhead61]

my thinking is after seeing both kits is that if you cannot pull it off with the Gretsch then what can ya do? Gretsch would be my choice out of the two.

[GRUNTERSDAD]

There is a reason why the PDP is 2000.00 and the Pearl and Gretsch are 2500.00. I'll let you figure out why. The Gretsch are expandable if you have the cash or if you have the patience to search eBay. I am afraid you will regret the PDP down the road.

Edit. PDP drum shells warranty 2 years, Gretsch 5 years.

[wloeb]

Why not consider the regular maple Gretsch renowns?
You can get a nice 6 piece shell pack for just over $1000.

[TenPastTen]

Why not consider the regular maple Gretsch renowns?
You can get a nice 6 piece shell pack for just over $1000.

Very nice compromise. You keep the "great Gretsch sound" and have some expandability. Great choice.

[jondrumming]

Why not consider the regular maple Gretsch renowns?
You can get a nice 6 piece shell pack for just over $1000.

WLOEB. YOU. ARE. MY. HERO! Do you KNOW how much money that would save me for other gear? Almost $1500! AND I can expand it! Can't believe I didn't see those before...

Hang on, as I'm typing this I'm looking this kit up on Musician's Friend and Guitar Center, and nothing is coming up. Is it a custom order? If so, should I just go to the drum shop and place the order, then they send the order to Gretsch?

[wloeb]

Guitar center near me has been selling the 6 piece maple renown for $1300 and was discounting them to just over $1000 during Dec and Jan.
Look at these completed auction if you want to get a sense of how much these go for used:


http://cgi.ebay.com/gretsch-renown-maple-6-pc_W0QQitemZ270343462542QQihZ017QQcategoryZ38097QQ ssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/Gretsch-7-Piece-CUSTOM-Renown-Maple-Drum-Set_W0QQitemZ190285520524QQihZ009QQcategoryZ38097Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/Gretsch-6-Piece-Renown-Maple-Drum-Set_W0QQitemZ190285250616QQihZ009QQcategoryZ38097Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Also, Honestly if I were you, I would just buy this set( great set, great dealer)
http://cgi.ebay.com/Yamaha-Oak-Custom-Dave-Weckl-5-pc-Shell-Pack-Amber_W0QQitemZ260363647410QQihZ016QQcategoryZ3809 7QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[GRUNTERSDAD]

Go to Musicians Friend. Drums, shell packs, Gretsch. The Blackhawk is the only full set they sell so look at Shellpacks.

Or click here.

http://drums-percussion.musiciansfriend.com/navigation/gretsch-drums-sets-acoustic-drum-shell-packs?N=100001+304832+202174

[trkdrmr]

Go to Musicians Friend. Drums, shell packs, Gretsch. The Blackhawk is the only full set they sell so look at Shellpacks.

Or click here.

http://drums-percussion.musiciansfriend.com/navigation/gretsch-drums-sets-acoustic-drum-shell-packs?N=100001+304832+202174

And then ask www.massmusic.net to beat the price.

[Mikecore]

my only complaint is the snare.

Yeah, it seems that snare drums are the last stand for the PDP bugs. It makes sense when you consider that they are using tom stock for their snare shells (they MUST be), as they are too thin for the job and tend to lack that certain something. Let's face it, it feels like playing a tom with snares stretched under the bottom, even if you DO wind the heads nice and tight.

I don't mind them cutting a few corners to save money, but snares are sort of IMPORTANT.

[TTNW]

My vote is for the Renowns. Those Gretsch kits sound great and some of the finishes are simply beautiful. I want the cherry finish myself.

PDPs are great and I love my kit, but the Gretsch kit sounds better to me. My only beef with Gretsch is that their tom mounts tug on the lugs a bit. The STM mounts do a better job and have a nice low profile.

[megashock5]

Here's a quick question about shell packs - what exactly do they come with. I know it says the hardware isn't included, but is that the stands they're referring to, or do they not come with hoops and lugs either?

Thanks

[GRUNTERSDAD]

A shell pack is the drums with heads and rims. Usually the tom mounts and floor tom legs. But no pedals, stands, racks, cymbals etc.

[megashock5]

A shell pack is the drums with heads and rims. Usually the tom mounts and floor tom legs. But no pedals, stands, racks, cymbals etc.

Cool, thanks for the info!

[mrbling]

i like pearl there masters look great every pic i see i think man i want 1 now !!!.

[RobertM]

If you are going for Gretsch and want good customer service from an independent music shop (not crap Musician's Friend stuff), then go to Indoor Storm and talk to Barry, the drum manager:

http://www.indoorstorm.com

They specialize in nicer equipment and have great customer service. They handle plenty of Gretsch products, and you can preview the exact drums via sound files.

I agree with Gruntersdad and others: PDP is utter, utter rubbish. Cheaply made, no resale value whatsoever. Go with either Gretsch or Pearl Masters--much better quality and reputation.

[timmdrum]

If you are going for Gretsch and want good customer service from an independent music shop (not crap Musician's Friend stuff), then go to Indoor Storm and talk to Barry, the drum manager:

http://www.indoorstorm.com

They specialize in nicer equipment and have great customer service. They handle plenty of Gretsch products, and you can preview the exact drums via sound files.

I agree with Gruntersdad and others: PDP is utter, utter rubbish. Cheaply made, no resale value whatsoever. Go with either Gretsch or Pearl Masters--much better quality and reputation.

I second this. Are you in NC, Robert?

[shoedaddy]

i like pearl there masters look great every pic i see i think man i want 1 now !!!.

I don't know anything about the PDP's, but I have the Pearl Masters right now, and they're great-sounding drums. It's my first time using Pearl's mounting system, and it's been fine (although I'm not a fan of how they look mounted directly on the bass drum--mine are stand-mounted). And my five-piece kit didn't cost anywhere near $2500, even with the exchange rate going south (for Canadians anyway). I've played Renown Purewoods in the shop, and they sound great, too. But--the Purewoods are definitely more than the Masters. As someone else pointed out, you could get a Renown Maple--another great set--for a lot less. They're much more readily available and quite likely to be discounted. I had a Renown Maple kit (later traded)--paid less than $1,000 for a new four-piece. Wasn't crazy about the snare or tuning the five-lug mounted tom, but overall it had a powerful sound, and the Silver Slate Sparkle finish looked fantastic.

[Cannons]

My question is, why limit yourself to these three kits? Ludwig, Tama, DW, Yamaha, etc. ALL make great drums for about the same price depending on what you're looking for. If you have up to $2500 to spend, any of the big drum companies can accomodate you, and you can make an informed buying decision.

[jondrumming]

My question is, why limit yourself to these three kits? Ludwig, Tama, DW, Yamaha, etc. ALL make great drums for about the same price depending on what you're looking for. If you have up to $2500 to spend, any of the big drum companies can accomodate you, and you can make an informed buying decision.

Well, I know of Tama Starclassic, and Yamaha Oak Custom and Absolute, but DW? Also, all these drums really only come in 4-5 piece shell packs, which doesn't really do it for me. If I were to buy any of these lines in a 6-7 piece shell pack, it would cost well over $2500, which is a bit much to start with. In terms of pricing for a 6-7 piece drumset, I'm hoping to find the best for the least, which I found in the PDP Platinum, and somewhat in the Gretsch Renowns.

[Cannons]

Well, I know of Tama Starclassic, and Yamaha Oak Custom and Absolute, but DW? Also, all these drums really only come in 4-5 piece shell packs, which doesn't really do it for me. If I were to buy any of these lines in a 6-7 piece shell pack, it would cost well over $2500, which is a bit much to start with. In terms of pricing for a 6-7 piece drumset, I'm hoping to find the best for the least, which I found in the PDP Platinum, and somewhat in the Gretsch Renowns.
I'm sorry, I didn't take into account that you were looking for a 6-7 piece kit. That said, Ludwig will tailor make a set of Classic Maples in the sizes and configuration you want for less than your total budget. Definitely not a "cookie cutter" company offering pre-packaged shell packs. They're the most affordable pro drums on the market.

My main point is that there are countless choices out there. It sometimes dismays me to see drummers make snap decisions when buying gear. Whether it's a matter of availability, brand recognition, impatience, whatever, those snap decisions can come back to haunt you.

[wloeb]

Well, I know of Tama Starclassic, and Yamaha Oak Custom and Absolute, but DW? Also, all these drums really only come in 4-5 piece shell packs, which doesn't really do it for me. If I were to buy any of these lines in a 6-7 piece shell pack, it would cost well over $2500, which is a bit much to start with. In terms of pricing for a 6-7 piece drumset, I'm hoping to find the best for the least, which I found in the PDP Platinum, and somewhat in the Gretsch Renowns.

I think that Yamaha Drums can be ordered in any configuration without extra cost compared to a prepackaged kit(i.e either way you pay the sum of the individual drum costs.. I know that this is true of the Maple customs, and absolute series. Not sure about the oak customs but I think it applies as well.

Anyway, Why not save up the money first and when you are ready post here and we can point you to a great used kit on ebay.

Wayne

[44Ronin]

The gretsch all the way.

[elliotdrummer7227]

out of the pdp and gretsch..............
i would go with grestch for an allrounder!!!!
but i can't belive no one has metioned the mapex saturn or orion!!!
i'm in england so i don't know the prices of them but mapex are very nice drums!!!
and you can also add alot of things on the mapexs!!!!!!!!!!and one of the stock kits is a 7 piece!!!!!

TRY THEM OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


MOOSE

[GRUNTERSDAD]

It wasn't one of his three choices per the Title.

[jondrumming]

It wasn't one of his three choices per the Title.

Well, I'm definitely open to any suggestions for a 7 piece kit that is anywhere from $1000 to $2000! As said before, I'm looking for the best for the least.

[Mikecore]

PDP X7 kits are coming in around $1000.00. They are poplar-shelled, if that makes a difference to you, but you are limited to the sizes of THAT configuration (8, 10, 12, 14, 16" toms, 5x14" snare, 18x22" kick), and I'm not sure where any add-ons could be bought if at all. If you want a little more selection, the Platinums and Renowns are your best option.

Not part of the original list, but Mapex Meridian Maple and Sonor Force 3007 also have a pretty wide selection, including 18"-24" bass drums.

[jondrumming]

PDP X7 kits are coming in around $1000.00. They are poplar-shelled, if that makes a difference to you, but you are limited to the sizes of THAT configuration (8, 10, 12, 14, 16" toms, 5x14" snare, 18x22" kick), and I'm not sure where any add-ons could be bought if at all. If you want a little more selection, the Platinums and Renowns are your best option.

Not part of the original list, but Mapex Meridian Maple and Sonor Force 3007 also have a pretty wide selection, including 18"-24" bass drums.

Haha, funny you should mention the X7, I mentioned it in my other thread in the "Your Gear" section and people jumped on it and told me how I could get WAAAYYY better for a little more cash. I have to agree with them, and I agree with the Platinums and Renowns. I'll look into the Meridians and Force 3007s, thanks for the tip!