Gretsch Renown vs. "New Classic"

[tlester]

Hi all -

I think I'm set on getting a new Gretsch kit. I can't afford the USA Custom kit. I'm debating between the Renown or the "New Classic". I'm probably looking at a 4 piece. 12", 16" and 22x18".

Any thoughts?

[GRUNTERSDAD]

Both are great sets. The New Classic is a bit more money. I have the Renown and am not the least bit dissatisfied. I was very close to buying the New Classic but then the Renowns were available for a steal. I love the look of the New Classic especially the lugs.

[zambizzi]

Both are excellent kits...Gretsch makes killer drums. I've played a couple of Renowns and they're very nice...very warm toms...great sound.

I hope to be a proud New Classic owner in the next couple/few weeks (you know who you are, out there!)

The biggest difference, as I understand it, is the bearing edges and the overall tone. The New Classics have rounded edges and go for a more vintage sound. I need a more mellow little bop kit so that's why I'm going for the NC's.

[tlester]

I found these:

New Classics:

http://drummerworld.com/Videos/vinni...ahancock1.html

Renown:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=nN-3jNFkzaQ

I have a set of New Classic's that Zambizzi was speaking about that will be his in a few weeks. I have also owned Renowns. The difference to me is that as Zambizzi said, the New Classics have a rounder, more naturally muted (as far as overtones go), vintage tone. That coupled with the tube lugs and the tom mounting bracket that connect directly to the lugs instead of RIMS like with the Renowns are really the only differences. The New Classic shells are also made up of Maple and Gumwood rather than just Maple on the Renowns. I don't know if this has as much to do with the tone as the bearing edges do.

With the sizes that you're looking for, I ROUTINELY see New Classics in the Cherry Red finish in those sizes on Ebay for about $1000 (vs. $1800) for usually brand new sets. So I would definitely look in that direction. Renowns can be had used for about $800 or so, but if I had the choice, I'd go with the NC's. Though really, you can't go wrong with either one, I just chose the NC's for the more vintage tone.

*edit*

I wouldn't go by the videos you linked to get an idea of how they sound because the live setting and EQ will do a lot to influence the tone. www.indoorstorm.com has sound samples of both sets, but again micing alters the tone and I don't think their methods give the best indication of tone.

[sshu]

I just ordered a set of the New Classics 3pc Cherry Red (MOD package). Was actually hoping to get a bop kit, but the price on the blowout price on the Cherry Red New Classics are too good. I hope I can tune up the drums a bit for jazz. Alternatively, maybe I can put the 16x16 floor tom on a bass drum riser and just use with a snare drum ...

Steve

Originally Posted by sshu

I just ordered a set of the New Classics 3pc Cherry Red (MOD package). Was actually hoping to get a bop kit, but the price on the blowout price on the Cherry Red New Classics are too good. I hope I can tune up the drums a bit for jazz. Alternatively, maybe I can put the 16x16 floor tom on a bass drum riser and just use with a snare drum ...

Steve

Too bad you didn't know I was selling my New Classic bop kit :)

Zambizzi has spoken for that though.

[sshu]

Originally Posted by fourstringdrums

Too bad you didn't know I was selling my New Classic bop kit :)

Zambizzi has spoken for that though.

Yeah - I could have been in the running for those. lol. I'm excited about getting the New Classics. I had actually just run across the prices by accident when looking for a new snare drum (either stave or free-float or both). Almost fell out of my chair when I saw the prices on such a nice set of Gretsch shells. The other kit I was looking at was a 4pc Yamaha Birch Custom, but I tend to like maple kits better for the ring. I also think the 30 degree bearing edge is what makes me like the sound of the New Classics. Not sure what role the gumwood plays in the shell. Also not sure how many plies of gumwood are in the shells ...

Steve

Here is bill stewart playing renown toms. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMXJy...eature=related

They sound great, My Renown bop set is on order. I can't wait!

Originally Posted by 44Ronin

Here is bill stewart playing renown toms. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMXJy...eature=related

They sound great, My Renown bop set is on order. I can't wait!

I don't think those are Renowns, they're most likely USA Customs. Renowns don't come in that finish.

Originally Posted by fourstringdrums

I don't think those are Renowns, they're most likely USA Customs. Renowns don't come in that finish.

The toms are Renowns. No Gretsch USA has a badge that is straight brass with black strips.

The Renowns had many finishes that are now discontinued. Amber yellow, Deep blue , Deep red , Deep black , Yellow Oyster Pearl , Turquiose Oyster Pearl , Maple lacquer , Champagne silk.

I've seen many prototype finishes as well.

[fashionboy]

44Ronin: How do you know those are Renown toms that Bill Stewart is playing??? Just wondering because I have never seen that wrap before on a Renown.

TLester: good call, Gretsch is a great way to go. The New Classics are gorgeous drums... vintage glass is pretty spectacular in person.

[hyperdrummer]

I'm dying to get a chance to play the new classics for myself. The Renowns sound great, and the quality of the core plys always look top notch on a Gretsch kit, even on their Catalina series. This is were most companies try to save money by throwing in less desirable wood. If anyone has some links to some vids of the New Classics, post 'em here so I can check it out please.

Originally Posted by hyperdrummer

I'm dying to get a chance to play the new classics for myself. The Renowns sound great, and the quality of the core plys always look top notch on a Gretsch kit, even on their Catalina series. This is were most companies try to save money by throwing in less desirable wood. If anyone has some links to some vids of the New Classics, post 'em here so I can check it out please.

I have a set: www.handidrummed.com/drummers/profiles/rob/

There are a few pictures, a diagram, and some audio and video of them. Other mp3's I've made are here:

www.handidrummed.com/robsolo.mp3
www.handidrummed.com/grooving.mp3

[GW Drums]

Originally Posted by fourstringdrums

I have a set: www.handidrummed.com/drummers/profiles/rob/

There are a few pictures, a diagram, and some audio and video of them. Other mp3's I've made are here:

www.handidrummed.com/robsolo.mp3
www.handidrummed.com/grooving.mp3

Your drums sound very good. For an 18" bass, it has alot of bottom end to it. I've got the fever now............Very nice!! Nice! Nice!!

[tlester]

Thanks for those clips!

-Tom

Originally Posted by fashionboy

44Ronin: How do you know those are Renown toms that Bill Stewart is playing??? Just wondering because I have never seen that wrap before on a Renown.

TLester: good call, Gretsch is a great way to go. The New Classics are gorgeous drums... vintage glass is pretty spectacular in person.

It's not a wrap on those toms, its natural maple....


Take a look at that badge....



And compare that to the older renown models, with the older badge...



And to prove that the factory can and indeed does natural maple






As for his kick drum it *MIGHT* be this renown model. HOWEVER the B.D HOOPS are different.



The ones that I am getting! :D

PS. I'd say get whatever you can afford and are comfortable with the finish. Sound-wise, they are on par with each other IMO. The renowns are a little livelier and brighter, whereas the new classics are a little darker and warmer. STILL both makes of drum are warm, lively , resonant and sound unique.

[fashionboy]

Well, if they are indeed Renown they do sound fantastic.