HELP!!! Pearl MCX or Gretch Maple Renown!

crippleewe · #1 02-21-2010, 07:38 AM

I am trying to decide between a Pearl Mcx or a Gretch Maple Renown. Or maybe if anyobdy could suggest something else in 1400$ range that would be great. Buying a drumset makes no sense. You juts dont know what the damn thing sounds like untill your playing it with your band. All suggestions welcomed. Thanks.

GRUNTERSDAD · #2 02-21-2010, 08:09 AM

I own Gretsch Renown so I can recommend them but have not heard Pearl so I can't compare.

MikeM · #3 02-21-2010, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GRUNTERSDAD

I own Gretsch Renown so I can recommend them but have not heard Pearl so I can't compare.

Apologies for the mini-hijack here but, GRUNTERSDAD, can you tell me if the 30 degree bearing edge on your Renowns have any counter cut, or does the head make contact on the outermost ply? If it does have a counter cut, does it round over at all? I'm trying to specify a bearing edge on a new custom bass drum and am trying to figure out how Gretsch does it. Their website doesn't make it clear. Thanks.

Now, back to your regularly scheduled thread!

R1200RT · #4 02-21-2010, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeM

Apologies for the mini-hijack here but, GRUNTERSDAD, can you tell me if the 30 degree bearing edge on your Renowns have any counter cut, or does the head make contact on the outermost ply? If it does have a counter cut, does it round over at all? I'm trying to specify a bearing edge on a new custom bass drum and am trying to figure out how Gretsch does it. Their website doesn't make it clear. Thanks.

Now, back to your regularly scheduled thread!

The inside cut is 30 degrees and the head makes contact with a rounded edge. I'd have to take off a head to confirm, but I recall that the outer rounded bearing edge comprises several plies, not just the outermost ply.

To return to the Regularly Scheduled Program Already In Progress... I highly recommend Renown, although I've never tried the Pearl.

Doug Masters · #5 02-21-2010, 07:46 PM

Having owned both I would say Renowns. Toms and snare I'd say are comparable but the Renown kick drum felt and sounded more solid and punchy to me.

audiotech · #6 02-21-2010, 09:54 PM

I've played the Pearl MCX series in many different sizes and in many different venues. When It came to purchasing another kit this time last year, I went with the Gretsch Renowns after directly comparing them to the MCX. I would have been satisfied with either one, but the Gretsch Renowns just had that "Gretsch Sound" that no other maple kit I've ever played really had. It's hard to explain and much better to actually hear.

Dennis

ConvertedLudwigPlayer · #7 02-22-2010, 03:30 AM

I owned both of these kits at the same time and I sold the MCX even though it had one more tom. I love my Renown kit.

The Pearl was nice -- excellent hardware, good construction, etc. But, the shells were just not as warm as the Gretsch to my ears. I think the MCX had slightly better projection and volume, but I preferred the warmer tones of the Renown. If I were gigging, the MCX would be one I would consider for sure. For recording and a more pure tone - Renown hands down for my money.