Stroman
Diamond Member
I had a chance to try a Gretsch kit for the first time at a (new to me) blues jam last night. Two firsts for me, actually, because the kit had an 18" bass drum, which I've never played before.
I have to say I was impressed. This was the little Catalina Club jazz kit that sells new for about $650, so it isn't a high-end kit by any stretch. I've even heard some mixed reviews about the Catalina products. But it sounded sweet in the room and was a pleasure to play. It was a real joy to play a well-tuned, well-maintained kit at an open jam. Most of the ones I've been to have pretty poor beater kits.
I have to say, I LOVED that little 18" kick! It was fat and punchy with plenty of low end. The fellow had the stock Gretsch heads (Powerstroke type) with no muffling, and it was perfect sounding, both behind the kit and out front.
Oh, another cool thing - he had just gotten a set of 17" hi-hats (made me think of Bo!) and those things were a blast to play, too. Very different. I had to think about the hats in a whole different way because of the lower pitch and slower response, but they were very expressive with a whole range of different voices. Really a nice change of pace.
All in all, it was a great experience. Lots of great players out there!
I have to say I was impressed. This was the little Catalina Club jazz kit that sells new for about $650, so it isn't a high-end kit by any stretch. I've even heard some mixed reviews about the Catalina products. But it sounded sweet in the room and was a pleasure to play. It was a real joy to play a well-tuned, well-maintained kit at an open jam. Most of the ones I've been to have pretty poor beater kits.
I have to say, I LOVED that little 18" kick! It was fat and punchy with plenty of low end. The fellow had the stock Gretsch heads (Powerstroke type) with no muffling, and it was perfect sounding, both behind the kit and out front.
Oh, another cool thing - he had just gotten a set of 17" hi-hats (made me think of Bo!) and those things were a blast to play, too. Very different. I had to think about the hats in a whole different way because of the lower pitch and slower response, but they were very expressive with a whole range of different voices. Really a nice change of pace.
All in all, it was a great experience. Lots of great players out there!