please help me decide! Gretsch Catalina jazz or Pearl Export Radical

[themixtape]

I have to decide sometime tonight (Monday) and Tuesday (tomorrow)...

Pearl Export Radical 4-piece (Prizm Blue, gorgeous) $400 with all hardware (brand new)

Gretsch Catalina Club Jazz (white marine pearl) $550 shells only (brand new)

I can't decide.

I have the cymbals already...
Zildjian 14" new beat hi hats
Zildjian A Custom 20" Ping Ride
Zildjian A Custom 16" Fast Crash
Sabian 17" Vault crash
Sabian AAX 16" Dark Crash

I play mostly mellow and modern indie rock stuff.... occasionally liking to rock out but not often.. I play simply, just groove along... nothing too technical. I like to play with brushes often, too.

What kit would be best for me? I know Pearl Exports are garbage (according to this forum) but it's half the price that it would be new (and ALL hardware!!) The Gretsch, I've had my eyes on for months now. But... will it be able to project live? I play live often in an indie rock/electronic trio... one guitarist plays distorted with delay, the other plays acoustic (and sings).

Right now I'm playing a Yamaha Custom Stage Advantage which is my friend's. I like it fine, but I want my own kit... plus, his floor tom doesn't have legs which totally annoys me (it's 12x14).

I have about $700 tops to spend... and ideally I want that price to include all hardware (hence why I'm straying from the Gretsch and going towards the Pearl... what a deal!).....

Suggestions are completely welcome. Please! :)

-Chris

[gmrakich]

try looking for a used kit. For $700 you can find great deals.

If you have to get one of those two, get the Gretsch. It at least has a resale value.

[themixtape]

Originally Posted by gmrakich

try looking for a used kit. For $700 you can find great deals.

If you have to get one of those two, get the Gretsch. It at least has a resale value.

I am leaning toward it, but it's going to put me in the poor house after the needed hardware (I think my friend whose kit I'm borrowing now wants to sell his kit on ebay).

People do speak highly of the Catalina Jazz, though....

[themixtape]

Originally Posted by gmrakich

try looking for a used kit. For $700 you can find great deals.

If you have to get one of those two, get the Gretsch. It at least has a resale value.

Also, I stumbled upon a used kit on my local craigslist... Tama Starclassic... decent price, too... I don't think it has any hardware but... if the guy can get back to me (he just listed the ad today).... I'm going down to check it out... hopefully he still has it. I've never played a Starclassic before but I know they're highly praised on this forum.

[Skitch]

Okay,

Some people on this forum will not believe their eyes, but between the two you have listed and price being near the same, go with the Gretsch Catalina. I have heard these drum live and they are a very good to great sounding drum. While the Exports are nice drums, if you have been playing for long (as you have indicated), I think that you will like the quality and the sound of the Catalinas more!


Mike

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

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

[themixtape]

Well, if the Tama Starclassics I mentioned that someone is selling used locally are gone... the Catalina it is. :)

I really hope that guy hasn't sold his green Starclassics....

But, I'd be happy with either that or the Gretsch. :)

I've made my decision as far as the two go... Thanks for helping. :) I just wish I could HEAR them first! haha.

off to sleep.....

[Fat Elvis]

god defenately the starclassic if you can swing it -- the others are not even in the same league.

[tamadrummer132]

i recently was in the market for a new kit, and i came across some good deals.. but i didnt jump at any, and waited for a REALLY good one on craigslist.

I saved about 2500 bucks, so my advice is to chill until you can find a REALLY good deal. Dont buy new.

[crazyhorse]

Tama: what'd you end up getting dude?

[tamadrummer132]

havnt stained em yet, im waiting for cash.

Originally Posted by Fat Elvis

god defenately the starclassic if you can swing it -- the others are not even in the same league.

The Gretsch kit is in the same league if you're talking about sound, not resale. I'd buy a used kit off ebay, maybe a vintage Ludwig, you may find a decent one for $700. Let us know what you decide to get.

[Fat Elvis]

Originally Posted by Jusstickinaround

The Gretsch kit is in the same league if you're talking about sound, not resale. I'd buy a used kit off ebay, maybe a vintage Ludwig, you may find a decent one for $700. Let us know what you decide to get.

well, the only gretsch kits (cheap) that i have heard have been the catilina birch and the catilina club mod, which the ladder being the worst drums i have ever heard for even close to the price. I have played them, know someone who owns them (different kit than i played), have heard them acoustic amd mic'd -- horrible.

SO unless gretsch is using very different production techniques and materials, then there is no way they are in the same league -- sound or otherwise.

[byebyepanda]

What did you end up getting?

Gretsch?

Gretsch.

[byebyepanda]

Man I wish I could get one of those one day! How much did that whole set up cost you?