New Catalina Maple Owners: A little help, please.

mmulcahy1 · #1 07-12-2012, 10:07 PM

Ok, this is edited from my original post. I was originally looking for just Catalina Maple players but haven't received any responses - I guess I was too narrow in my query.

I know this has been dealt with a million times, but I was hoping that I could get some personal responses that directly affect my drum kit.

I’ve had my kit for about 6 weeks now. I’m coming from 7 years experience with a Yamaha DTXpress III E-kit – so I have limited knowledge when it comes to an acoustic kit. I’ve been playing on the “Gretsch by Evans” heads that came with the kit. Honestly, they sound pretty good for heads that come with a kit but I want to get new heads soon.

My questions are:

What heads do you all use?
How do I know what my sound is?
How do I know when I’ve got the drum(s) sounding their best?

I’ve read tons of stuff online and in this forum. And to tell you the truth – It’s mind-boggling.

If you have a sound file that you could attach, that would be fantastic!

At this point in time, I not loyal to any of the companies that make heads – so pitch your best argument!

Thank you for your information, time and patience.

tard · #2 07-13-2012, 04:18 AM

I have a pro maple kit and after trying many different combos over the years I found I like Aquarian studio x over classic clears on toms, super kick 1 with a ported regulator front head ( no extra muffling required) on the bass and coated studio x over classic clear snare side head on snares.This gives me great attack with the most warmth and resonance I can get from my toms with only 1 moon jell needed on the largest tom, a big fat thuddy kick with the heads tuned just to the point that it starts to resonate, and the snares are a just bit wet sounding allowing me to use a studio ring to dry them out when a dry sound is needed letting me to switch quickly between the 2 sounds just by adding or removing the ring. Hope that helps.

bobdadruma · #3 07-13-2012, 04:31 AM

So many heads and only one lifetime to try them all. You had better get started.

GRUNTERSDAD · #4 07-13-2012, 04:33 AM

Evans coated or clear G2 over Evans G1 clear. My favorite setup. Give it a shot.

mmulcahy1 · #5 07-13-2012, 05:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobdadruma

So many heads and only one lifetime to try them all. You had better get started.

You're right. I just need to make the BEST informed decision I can. Drumming is mostly a hobby for me - so I don't exactly bring money in when I'm banging away and having fun, you know?

mmulcahy1 · #6 07-13-2012, 05:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GRUNTERSDAD

Evans coated or clear G2 over Evans G1 clear. My favorite setup. Give it a shot.

Yeah, that's probably the direction I'll go in.

Originally I was also thinking about EC2 SST's. I saw a kit (the only one set up) at Guitar Center that had these heads. I hit the toms and they sounded like thick plastic - ugh! Perhaps the kit just wasn't tuned right - or at all.

What's your opinion on the G Plus heads?

What are your thoughts on the snare and bass drums?

I don't mind too much of a ring on the snare - just as long as it's controllable. Does that mean I want a dry head like the ST Dry? Should I just go with a G1, maybe? Aaaaargh!

For the bass, my original thought was EMAD2, but I've read a lot (probably tooooooo much) and I just don't know, now. Let me think.... Hmmm? EQ1, EQ2, PS3 PS4 or the EQ7,952?

I'm happy keeping my Gretsch bass reso head, though. =)

Thanks for your thoughts.